The West Wilts Magazine - April 2016

APRIL 2016 // ISSUE 80

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The magazine

HOUSE PROUD ENJOY OUR 16-PAGE SPRING INTERIORS SPECIAL

Veg Out

Time to

READ OUR INTERVIEW WITH RACHEL DEMUTH

SUNDAY LUNCH THE BEST ROASTS IN THE WEST

GET INTO GOLF SOME OF THE BEST COURSES & RANGES AROUND

+ LOCAL LISTINGS LUSH LAWNS ASPARAGUS RECIPES & MUCH MORE

FOOD & DRINK // INTERVIEWS // PROPERTY // SHOPPING // COMMENT

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5 The Shambles, Bradford on Avon BA15 1JS | 01225 309110 www.bathroomsatno5.co.uk

contents Published by Wired Publishing Editor Lisa Rockliffe Contributors Craig Gates-Mutton, Phil Rockliffe, Neil Mortimer, Andy Diffey Advertising Enquiries Andy Diffey e: andy@wired-publishing.co.uk t: 01225 807775 General Enquiries e: info@wired-publishing.co.uk t: 01225 807775 www.wired-publishing.co.uk Address 20 Azalea Drive, Trowbridge, Wiltshire BA14 9GG This magazine is printed on paper sourced from sustainable forests.

Please recycle it when you are done, or pass it on!

The publishers shall not be held liable for any loss occasioned by the failure of an advertisement to appear, or any damage or inconvenience caused by errors, omissions or misprints.

Reproduction of this magazine in whole, or in part is strictly prohibited wihout prior permission of the publishers.

Front Cover: Courtesy Stephen Graver Ltd

April 2016 // issue 80

A

s I write there is a real feeling of spring in the air. Having spent the last few months cooped up inside staring at the same four walls, spring is a wonderful time to think about making a fresh start in your home. Our spring interiors special runs to 16 pages and it’s crammed full of companies who can help you build a home you are truly proud of, from complete kitchen or bathroom installations to those all important finishing touches. Our write up begins on page 51.

As well as interiors, following on from our March gardens special there is more for gardeners to pick over this April. From advice on getting a beautifully lush lawn to great offers on plants and mowers, our gardens section is well worth a look and begins on page 40.

As ever, food is never far from our minds. From the best Sunday lunch (page 23) offerings to our exclusive interview with fantastic local chef Rachel Demuth (page 36) and even the latest goings on down at Hartley and Neston farm shops, there is plenty for foodies to enjoy here too. All that, and we’ve still found room for all your usual features too. Enjoy!

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Lisa Rockliffe, Editor Follow us on Twitter... @wiredpublishing Read online... www.wired-publishing.co.uk

in this issue...

LOCAL LISTINGS What’s on in April

LOCAL NEWS Round up of news & events FOOD & DRINK Food & Drink news Eat The Seasons Asparagus Recipes Down on the farm

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12

HOMES & GARDENS Gardening news Get a beautiful lawn

40 44

LATER LIFE & WELLBEING Live-in help from Ann Mason Care 72

24 32 33 38

FEATURES

Wiltshire Farm Foods

74

Meet the Manager at Brunel House

76

BATH RUGBY Bath’s Grand Slam Heroes

78

PUZZLES

Sunday Lunches

23

Rachel Demuth Interview

36

House Proud

51

COMMENT

Get Into Golf

65

The Last Word

Quiz, wordsearch & sudoku

80

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Pop in to see us in the Westway Shopping Centre in Frome and find good quality, locally made furniture and homewares displayed in room settings designed to inspire.

Choose from a large selection of painted, oak, reclaimed and upholstered furniture, all made to order with a wide choice of colours and handles.

FREE LOCAL DELIVERY 01373 466414 Westway Shopping Centre | Frome | Somerset | BA11 1AL

| events

local

listings APRIL 2016

MELKSHAM ASSEMBLY HALL

Courtney Pine & Zoe Rahman, Wiltshire Music Centre

Market Place, Melksham, SN12 6ES Box Office: 01225 709887 www.melkshamassemblyhall.com For full listings go to the website.

Tickets: £28 Few artists come with a higher pedigree than pianist Benjamin Grosvenor.

MIKE SMITH BIG BAND CONCERT 16 April, 8pm

Tickets: £18 The Big Band are back with another sensational concert!

NORTHERN SOUL NIGHT 6 May, 8pm

Tickets: £8 Live music from The All-Nighters support by two of the finest Vinyl DJs.

WILTSHIRE MUSIC CENTRE Ashley Rd, Bradford-on-Avon, BA15 1DZ Box Office: 01225 860100 www.wiltshiremusic.org.uk For full listings go to the website.

POUND ARTS CENTRE THE ROYAL BALLET GISELLE (LIVE) 6 April, 7.15pm

Pound Pill, Corsham, SN13 9HX Box Office: 01249 701628 www.poundarts.org.uk For full listings go to the website.

Tickets: £15 A superlative production of the greatest of all Romantic ballets.

GONZO MOOSE: GREAT SCOTT! 7 – 9 April, 7.30pm

COURTNEY PINE / ZOE RAHMAN 8 April, 7.30pm

Tickets: £25 In this new collaboration Courtney Pine strips everything back for the most intimate show of his career.

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Tickets: £13 (Concs: £12) Antarctica, 1912. Captain Scott and his men perish attempting to reach the South Pole. But what if that isn’t what really happened?

SPECTRE (Cert 12A) 14 April, 7.30pm

Tickets: £6 Expect a commanding folk-pop performance from this up-and-comer.

Tickets: £7 (Concs £6) While M battles political forces to keep the secret service alive, Bond peels back the layers of deceit to reveal the terrible truth behind SPECTRE.

LUCIS 16 April, 7.30pm

KELLY OLIVER 15 April, 7.30pm

Tickets: £15 (Concs: £10) Bath-based choir perform Rutter’s Requiem.

Tickets: £10 (Concs: £9) Kelly Oliver is a hugely talented singer/ songwriter, guitarist and harmonicist influenced mainly by acoustic and traditional folk music.

LAUREN AQUILINA + SUPPORT 9 April, 7.30pm

ALTAN 22 April, 7.30pm Kelly Oliver, Pounds Arts Centre

BRITTEN SINFONIA / BENJAMIN GROSVENOR PIANO 23 April, 7.30pm

Tickets: £18 The superlative Celtic band

THREE HALF PINTS: BAD GUYS 16 April, 2pm

CHEESE &GRAIN SAT 2 APR 8PM SAT 9TH APR 8PM SAT 16TH APR 8PM SAT 23RD APR 8PM SUN 24TH APR 7.30PM SAT 30TH APR 8PM SUN 8TH MAY 2PM FRI 13TH MAY 8PM SAT 14TH MAY 8PM SAT 21ST MAY 8PM 28TH & 29TH MAY SUN 29TH MAY 8PM FRI 3RD JUN 8PM SAT 10TH JUN 8PM THU 30TH JUN 8PM FRI 1ST JUL 7.30PM TUE 5TH JUL (TBC) ND

BOX OFFICE: 01373

455420

MARKET YARD, FROME, SOMERSET BA11 1BE

www.cheeseandgrain.com

DIRTY DC £13.50 THE MANFREDS £21.50 adv JAH WOBBLE & THE INVADERS OF THE HEART £16.50 THE SMITHS INDEED £13.50 FROME SYMPHONY £10 BAD MANNERS £16.50 FROME BLUES RHYTHM & ROCK FESTIVAL £21.50 POLICE DOG HOGAN £14 RYAN MCGARVEY (FULL BAND) £15 FAIRPORT CONVENTION £23.50 BLUES GUITAR WORKSHOP WEEKEND ERIC BIBB £22.50 ABSOLUTE BOWIE £16 CELEBRATE SOUTH AFRICAN COMEDY £12 ADV LOVE REVISITED £17.50 ADV THE UKULELE ORCHESTRA OF GREAT BRITAIN £23.50 SHAKESPEARE RATTLE AND ROLL £7

Ryan McGarvey

Fairport Convention The Ukelele Orchestra of Great Britain

| events Tickets: £7 (Family: £24) Stars of CBeebies Spot Bots present a slapstick misadventure! 5+

in a battered van on Alan Bennett’s driveway. Maggie Smith is in typically great form, with Alex Jennings the spitting image of a young Bennett.

EXHIBITION ON SCREEN: VINCENT VAN GOGH, A NEW WAY OF SEEING (Cert 12A) STAR WARS: EPISODE VII – THE FORCE 19 April, 7.30pm AWAKENS 4 May, 7.30pm Tickets: £3.50

Enjoying unprecedented access to the treasures of Amsterdam’s Van Gogh Museum, this is a brilliant new film about one of the world’s most fascinating and beloved artists.

Tickets: £7 (Concs: £6) To celebrate Star Wars Day, here is the long awaited seventh instalment of the franchise.

DYAD PRODUCTIONS: DALLOWAY 22 April, 7.30pm

Bath Rd, Frome BA11 2HG Box Office: 01373 465949 www.merlintheatre.co.uk For full listings go to the website.

Tickets: £12 (Concs: £11) Conjuring the hopes and regrets of middle and upper class London, this Virginia Woolf adaptation offers a compellingly feminine response to the aftermath of WWI. VICKI GENFAN & STUART MASTERS 23 April, 7.30pm

Tickets: £11 (Concs: £10) Vicki Genfan and Stuart Masters, acclaimed guitarists from either side of the Atlantic, come together for a night of innovation.

THE LADY IN THE VAN (Cert 12A) 26 – 28 April, 11am & 7.30pm

Tickets: £7 (Concs: £6) Based on the true story of an elderly homeless woman who lived for years

MERLIN THEATRE

STIG OF THE DUMP 10 April, 3pm

Tickets: £8 (Concs: £5.50) It’s nearly 50 years since Stig and Barney’s adventures first saw the light of day but this timeless children’s classic remains as charming and entertaining as ever.

SHAKESPEARE LIVE! FROM THE RSC 23 April, 8.15pm

Tickets: £16 (Concs: £10.50) Screened live from Stratford-uponAvon, this star-studded show celebrates Shakespeare’s plays and their enduring influence on music, dance, opera, theatre and comedy.

Shakespeare Live!, Merlin Theatre

OUR TOWN 28 - 30 April, 7.45pm

Tickets: £10 (Concs: £8) A groundbreaking theatrical masterpiece, Our Town paints a compelling picture of life in smalltown America.

THE ATHENAEUM CENTRE

18-20 High St, Warminster, BA12 9AE Box Office: 01985 213891 www.theath.org.uk For full listings go to the website.

THE LADY IN THE VAN (Cert: 12A) 13 April, 7.30pm

Tickets: £5.50 The Lady in the Van also showing at The Athenaeum this April.

SUGAR FOX CABARET 29 April, 7.30pm

Tickets: £12 An evening of Cabaret and Burlesque brought to you by the resident compere, Miss Cherry Bomb!

LACOCK ABBEY

Lacock, nr Chippenham SN15 2LG www.nationaltrust.org.uk/lacock Normal admission applies unless otherwise stated SPRING FLOWERS AT LACOCK ABBEY Until 15 May, 10.30am – 5.30pm

Lacock’s wooded grounds are full of wonderful flowers over the spring months and ideal for a gentle stroll.

ICELAND, AN UNEASY CALM Until 10 July, 10.30am – 5.30pm Star Wars Episode VII, Pound Arts Centre

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An exhibition featuring a series of stunning photographs taken of Iceland over the last eight years

| events

by Tim Rudman, who is widely acknowledged as one of the very finest landscape photographers working today.

CHEESE & GRAIN

5 The Bridge, Frome BA11 1AR Box Office: 01373 455420 www.cheeseandgrain.com For full listings go to the website.

THE MANFREDS 9 April, 8pm

Tickets: £21.50 Since forming in 1962, Manfred Mann have secured their place in the history book of British popular music.

JAH WOBBLE & THE INVADERS OF THE HEART 16 April, 8pm

Tickets: £16.50 Enjoy a fantastic journey through dub, world, ambient and avant rock music from one of the great innovators.

THE SMITHS INDEED 23 April, 8pm

Tickets: £13.50 The Smiths Indeed celebrate the 30th Anniversary of The Queen Is Dead.

FROME SYMPHONY 24 April, 7.30pm

Tickets: £10 Frome’s Symphony Orchestra perform another wonderful programme.

VILLAGE PUMP FRIDAY FOLK

Lamb Inn, Mortimer St, Trowbridge OPEN MIC

18 March, 7.30pm Entrance £3

THE LUKE DOHERTY BAND 9 April

HIP ROUTE 30 April

Tickets: £12 (Concs: £8) St. Margaret’s Hall, Bradford on Avon Dorothy’s War is an exciting new musical play based on one woman’s extraordinary life during WWI. It’s packed full of songs, all sung live by The Harmonettes - three singers with outstanding voices and a fine sense of harmony.

BRADFORD-ON-AVON FOLK CLUB at THE SWAN

HARMONETTES SINGING WORKSHOP 7 May, 12.30 – 2pm

SHOOTIN THE CROW 10 April ALCHEMIST 29 April

1 Church St, Bradford on Avon BA15 1LN www.boafolkclub.org.uk phil@deverall.on4free.co.uk Tel: 01380 870734 SINGAROUND 5 & 19 March KEVIN BROWN 12 April, 8pm

FREE The return of a favourite bluesman.

DONNA & PETER CAMPION 26 April, 8pm

FREE Great multi-instrumentalists. Floor spots. Free entry. 8pm.

OTHERS SARAH MCQUAID 7 May, 7.30pm

Tickets £10 (Concs: £5) The George Inn, Longbridge Deverill A captivating performer of an original fusion of jazz and folk, Sarah McQuaid will seduce you with her cheeky banter and stunning musicianship. For more information visit deverillsfestival.com or email info@deverillsfestival.com

THE THREE HORSESHOES

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St. Margaret’s Hall, Bradford on Avon Workshop only: £8 (£6 under 18s) Combined ticket: £18 (12 under 18s) Not only can you enjoy their evening performance, but also a fantastic workshop with Jessica and Georgie - two of The Harmonettes.

You’ll learn some songs from the show in two or three part harmony, allowing you to sing along during the evening!

All abilities are welcome and there’s no need to read music – why not give it a go?! For tickets call Wiltshire Music Centre on 01225 860100 or go to wiltshiremusic.org.uk

WILTSHIRE FARMERS MARKETS BRADFORD ON AVON, WESTBURY GARDENS 3rd Thursday monthly in Westbury Gardens from 9am -1pm Last Sunday of each month, 10.30am - 2pm CORSHAM, HIGH STREET Every Tuesday, 9am - 1pm

DEVIZES, MARKET PLACE First and third Saturday of each month, 9am - 1pm

TROWBRIDGE, FORE STREET Second & fourth Friday of each month, 9am - 1pm

Frome Rd, Bradford on Avon, BA15 1LA Tel: 01225 865876 All gigs are FREE and start at 9pm THE HAMMERVILLES 8 April

DOROTHY’S WAR 7 May, 7.30pm

WARMINSTER, CENTRAL CAR PARK, NR LIBRARY The Harmonettes, St Margaret’s Hall

First Friday & third Friday of each month, 8.30am – 1pm

THE THREE GABLES 1 St Margaret’s Street, Bradford on Avon BA15 1DA

The Three Gables is well known for its top quality food, superb wines and the warm welcome provided by manager Vito Scaduto and his team. The Head Chef uses the finest quality ingredients, locally sourced where possible, to create a modern British menu influenced by the classics of mediterannean cuisine.

SUNDAY LUNCH OFFER

From Sunday 1 May we will be open every weekend for Sunday lunch!

As a special offer we are giving away a complimentary bottle of house wine to all tables for four.

Just mention this offer when you book!

WINE DINNER Thursday 21 April: Li Veli (Puglia) 4 courses incl wines & canapes £75pp

WWM026

✃

t 01225 781666 www.thethreegables.com info@thethreegables.com

�

VISIT WEBSITE & BOOK ONLINE

* NOTVALID IN CONJUNCTIONWITH OTHER OFFERS.VALID ON SATURDAYS BEFORE 8PM. EXPIRY DATE 31.05.16. ROAR

| local news

roundup

All the latest news and events from West Wiltshire and beyond!

GET A ROMAN BATHS SEASON TICKET

Culture vultures should take advantage of a great offer available right now for entry into three of Bath’s best attractions, the Roman Baths, Fashion Museum and Victoria Art Gallery. All three museums can be found in the centre of the city, meaning you can visit all three in a day if you wanted, although as there is so much to see you are best

advised to make a special trip for each site. Season tickets are great value, allowing visits to the three museums as often as you like for three years. The Season Ticket is perfect if you live in the region and visit Bath regularly. Prices for adults are £30, concessions £25, children (ages 6-16) £14, and for families (admitting 2 adults and up to 4 children) £65. For full details see the Get a season ticket to the Roman Baths and visit as often as you like for 3 years

season ticket application form on the website.

Alternatively, if you are a resident of Bath & North East Somerset you are entitled to a Resident’s Discovery Card. It will give you free admission to the Roman Baths, Fashion Museum and Victoria Art Gallery and a discount at the restaurant in the Pump Room. The card also gives a range of discounts on admission charges as well as other concessions at a host of other museums and attractions in the Bath & North East Somerset area and beyond.

Right now why not pay a visit to the Fashion Museum’s wonderful new exhibition ‘A History Of Fashion in 100 Objects’? The exhibition includes 100 star objects that together showcase a history of fashion from the 1600s to the present day.

• fashionmuseum.co.uk • romanbaths.co.uk • victoriagal.org.uk

STOURHEAD / FIFTY TWO / TWELVE / FOUR EXHIBITION Wiltshire artist, Nick Andrew has spent a year making weekly studies, based around Stourhead lake and gardens, exploring some of the more secret places in and around this most beautiful and fascinating location, throughout all months and seasons of the year.

Wiltshire artist, Nick Andrew has spent a year making weekly studies,

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based around Stourhead lake and gardens, exploring some of the more secret places in and around this most beautiful and fascinating location, throughout all months and seasons of the year.

at Stourhead from 15 April - 6 May 2016. On show will be Nick’s 52 weekly studies, as well as 12 paintings, representing the months of the year.

There will also be 4 larger pieces, one for each season.

These studies are leading towards ‘Stourhead / fifty- two / twelve / four’: an exhibition to be held at First View Gallery in the Spread Eagle Courtyard

Donations and a proportion of exhibition sales will be in aid of Alzheimers Support.

• nickandrew.co.uk

local news |

DOROTHY HOUSE DUSK WALK The Dusk Walk is a 5km sponsored walk to raise money for Dorothy House Hospice Care. This is an event for all the family and takes place on April 23. It starts at 7pm and ends at the Hospice as daylight begins to fade.

At the end of the walk, there is the opportunity to put your own message on a candle bag, which will shine in the grounds of the Hospice.

The circular walk is open to all, including children and even the dog! Part of the walk will be through

fields and there are hilly sections, and due to the terrain the route is unfortunately NOT suitable for wheelchairs or pushchairs.

This is a sponsored event – no minimum amount is specified, but organisers would love participants to raise as much as they can. As the charity is celebrating its 40th Birthday this year, you might like to challenge yourself to raise £40!

• dorothyhouse.org.uk/events/dusk-walk

Why not join in the Dusk Walk and try to raise £40 for Dorothy House to celebrate its 40th birthday?

MEET THE ARTIST DAYS AT LACOCK ABBEY

‘Elements of Capability’ is an intriguing outdoor sculpture show inspired by the work of landscape designer, Lancelot ‘Capability’ Brown, and these special days give you the Fragmentation by Melissa Cole

chance to meet some of the talented artists behind the show.

Melissa Cole, Lucy Strachan and Celia Smith will be around the abbey grounds on 8 May (10.30am – 4pm) providing guided walks and answering questions about their creations.

On 22 May (10.30am – 4pm) Woody Fox will be working on one of his willow sculptures while Annie Mulholland and Lisa Pettibone will be on hand to chat about their works.

DEVIZES FESTIVAL LINE UP ANNOUNCED

Lucy Worsley

Big names are lined up for this year’s Devizes Arts Festival (2 – 19 June).Much to the delight of organisers one event has already sold out – tickets for comedian Robert Beckett, known as the Mouth of the South, went on sale early as part of his nationwide tour and were snapped up by festival goers. To ensure you don’t miss out, why not become a ‘friend of the festival’? It gives a package of benefits, including early booking and discounted seats.

Historian Lucy Worsley will open the Festival in St John’s Church with a talk exploring our fascination with murder. The historical theme continues on June 4 when author Alison Weir takes tea with her guests at The Bear Hotel talking about Catherine of Aragon: The True Queen.

Broadcaster and scientist Professor Robert Winston will be taking a look at ‘What Makes Us Happy’, while Dr Edward Gomez will lead the Café-Scientific discussion: The Science of Dr Who: from Time Travel to Alien Worlds.

‘Elements of Capability’ runs from 30 April to 22 May, call 01249 730459 for more information.

Celebrating their 36th year together, The Blues Band takes to the stage of the Corn Exchange, which will also host a concert by the Irish folk singer Cara Dillon.

Events take place at many different venues across the town - see the website for more information.

• nationaltrust.org.uk/lacock

• devizesfestival.co.uk THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE

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local news |

Spring at Greenhill Cottage Gallery

N

ow that spring is here Greenhill Cottage Gallery in Southwick has been doing a bit of spring cleaning, with lots of old pieces out and new pieces in, so it’s well worth a visit if you haven’t been in a while. The longer days and the promise of warmer weather has also put the owners in the mood for music, so on the evening of Saturday 9th April they will welcome back the wonderful ‘Two in One’ who will delight with piano duets, ranging from romantic & Ears’, Bradford on Avon’s hugely to contemporary and jazz. successful poetry event, is coming to the gallery for an evening of ‘Wine, For even more fun be sure to join Words & Song’. The evening will also them during the Cloth Road Arts feature prize-winning poet Cristina Navazo-Eguía Newton, guaranteeing week (30th April-8th May) when they will have four local artists in the an exciting evening of fiery, outspoken poetry – complete with a gallery for you to meet. Plus on the evening of Thursday 5th May ‘Words dash of hondo flamenco singing for

good measure! There will be open mic slots for anyone who’d like to read a poem or two (their own, or someone else’s) and free wine and nibbles on arrival and during the interval. For more details call the gallery on 07805 065 923.

• greenhillcottagegallery.com

Plant Fair at Great Chalfield Manor

H

ead over to Great Chalfield Manor on Sunday 1 May (10.30am - 4pm) for their Annual Plant Fair. The event helps to raise funds for Jamie’s Farm and for the Friends of Great Chalfield who support the Arts & Crafts gardens.

Great Chalfield is a beautiful medieval manor restored 1905-1912

and given to National Trust by Robert Fuller in 1943. It is his grandson Robert Floyds’ home: Patsy, his wife, and Neil their gardener have replanted the orchards and gardens designed by Alfred Parsons RA. It offers a perfect setting and time for plant hunting and buying, in the forecourt next to the parish church, outer courtyard and stable yard.

Every year they are bursting with interesting stalls whilst Jamie’s Farm provide excellent teas, coffees and a giant cake stall.

Jamie’s Farm (jamiesfarm.org.uk) near Box works to transform the lives of vulnerable urban children, between the ages of 11-16, by providing a unique combination of ‘family, farming and therapy’ during an intensive week of living and working on a farm.

Admission is £3 for adults (including Members of the National Trust) and children are free. Come and enjoy a productive visit & support good causes. For more information simply email Sarah Wheeler on sarah@jamiesfarm.org.uk • greatchalfield.co.uk THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE

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ARE YOU LOOKING FOR THAT SPECIAL SOMEONE? For a professional and personal service call

0800 180 4788 www.carolinecrowther.com

Helping you meet someone new in your area

Devizes Venues History and grandeur combine to make the perfect venue for your ceremony and reception Venues For All Occasions

For further details please contact Heather on 01380 722160 email bookings@devizes-tc.gov.uk or visit our website www.devizesvenues.co.uk

Call The IT People

F

rom their base between Bristol and Bath, the Protel Communications team provide premium-quality, customdesigned telephone systems and cabling services for local and national companies. Since forming in 1988 they’ve delivered solutions for thousands of satisfied clients.

Whether you’re having problems with your existing telephone system, are planning to upgrade, expand or looking to connect offices to increase efficiency, Protel can provide the best solution for your business, backed up with exceptional service - there’s always someone to talk to if you need advice or information. Any problem can be resolved by their experienced team. All their

engineers are fully trained and accredited and hold an enhanced security check status. And because Protel enjoy exceptional employee retention, you’ll get a continuity of service that’s second to none.

What’s more, all installations come with a comprehensive warranty.

local news |

Over the last 28 years Protel has built a great local reputation on providing a polite, efficient service and ensuring their customer’s have peace of mind when it comes to their communications. To find out more call 0117 9864777.

• protelcomms.co.uk

If you’re relocating, Protel can provide the technical know how required. From the smallest move to the largest relocation project, they can help make sure your systems get, and stay, up and running efficiently.

Driving fun for all the family

O

utdoor driving activity centre Drive-Tech (based at Castle Combe Circuit) is a great place to go for all the family to enjoy some fun and excitement. With junior and adult karting, 4x4 off roading and skid pan, it offers driving experiences for everyone aged 10 and over. It’s open all year round and their courses are suitable for all levels too.

For kids aged 10-15, the karting track provides a safe controlled environment for young people to learn racing skills whilst having a fantastic time! Adult karting (suitable for anyone aged 15 and over) takes place in Drive-Tech’s high speed karts.

At top speeds racing feels as real as it gets and on the outdoor track drivers must adjust their driving skills to meet

the conditions. Challenge friends and family and hone your skills - this is a serious step up from indoor karting.

As well as having fun, on DriveTech’s unique skid pan you can learn lifesaving skills. Expert instructors can teach you how to tackle extreme driving conditions and participants can have some great fun whilst learning too.

Another outdoor adventure, and one that’s ideal for a corporate day out, is 4x4 off roading, which takes place on their purpose built course. The terrain is treacherous and the excitement is huge! To find out more see the website, or head along to Trip Advisor and search drivetechltd to see what their visitors are saying about them!

• www.drivetechltd.co.uk THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE

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business news |

Marmalade Solutions

Marmalade Solutions provide flexible business services to small and medium companies, across all business functions. We caught up with owner KIRSTEN KERR-BONNER to find out more. a task outside the expertise of the current team but it’s only a short-term need. Alternatively, there may be a list of smaller jobs that have been forever on the ‘to-do’ list such as website content updating, a marketing mailshot or some data entry that needs a few hours or days of focused attention.

You can hire Marmalade Solutions for specific project or to tackle a range of smaller jobs

How does Marmalade Solutions support businesses?

Marmalade Solutions undertakes those tasks that are forever on your to-do list. From small everyday jobs to larger project delivery, we enable you to more effectively utilise the hours in your day to focus on what you need to do – drive the business forward. You gain hours in your day through our flexible support.

What do you mean by flexible?

Marmalade Solutions enables businesses to commit to, and pay for, only the time they require and they can amend this requirement as and when needed - unlike traditional sources of temporary resource who apply rigid rules of financial commitment and duration of contract.

But surely there is a minimum length of job that a business has to sign up to?

With us the minimum length of time is one hour and there is no maximum.

We are there for you for as long as you need us, be it three hours, two weeks or every third Wednesday for four months.

Kirsten Kerr-Bonner

When would a business need to utilise your business support?

Sometimes an extra pair of hands is needed to meet a deadline or get a project out of the door. Or there is

Is there a piece of business advice that had a positive impact on how you work?

Focus on what you are good at. We all have skills that we use every day to make our businesses a success but there are times when tasks lie outside our area of expertise or available time. Despite the temptation to either simply ignore these tasks or tackle them blindly,

Engage with Marmalade Solutions and gain more time in your day to focus on driving your business forward. it’s on these occasions when an external, focused and high quality resource could be the better answer.

I suppose what I am saying is don’t be afraid to seek help.

Engage with Marmalade Solutions and gain more time in your day to focus on driving your business forward. Contact Kirsten at info@ marmaladesolutions.co.uk or call on 01985 510499.

• marmaladesolutions.co.uk THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE

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THE THREE

HORSESHOES

From leather jackets to suits, work boots to shiny shoes and mohicans to combovers, you’ll get a warm friendly welcome at The Three Horseshoes.

Live Music with Friday & Saturday night bands, and Sunday afternoon acoustic sessions.

Good selection of Real Ales available too Beer Garden | Pub Games | Real Log Fires | Parking Next to Bradford on Avon Train Station Frome Road, Bradford On Avon, Wiltshire BA15 1LA

Tel 01225 865876 | Find us on Facebook

Situated on the picturesque Kennet & Avon Canal The Barge Inn offers excellent food, great Wadworth beers, an extensive wine list and much more. It really is a pub for all seasons.

WEDNESDAY SPECIAL

Two Fish & Chips just £16.95!

THROUGHOUT APRIL Enjoy our INDONESIAN SPECIALS every Thursday & Friday! See our website for more details.

Bar Open Mon - Sat 11.30am - 11pm Sun 11.30am - 10:30pm Food Served Mon - Thurs 12pm - 2.30pm & 6pm - 9pm Fri - Sun 12pm - 5pm & 6pm - 9.30pm Sign up to our mailing list and get £5 off your food bill when you spend £20! Details on our website.

Tel 01380 828230 www.bargeinnseend.co.uk

Seend Cleeve, Melksham, Wiltshire SN12 6QB

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The Green, Biddestone, Chippenham, Wiltshire SN14 7DG

Whether you’re after a lunchtime special or an evening drink, drop by to relax and try our traditional range of ales, superb home cooked food and homely atmosphere.

SUNDAY ROASTS £10.95pp + a homemade pudding for just £4.00 +Recently Refurbished + Traditional Real Ales + Dog Friendly + Large Garden + Cream Teas

Traditional family run village pub

Open for lunch & dinner seven days a week serving homecooked food with accredited Cask Marque Wadworth ales •Ample Parking • Bar • Two Restaurants •Award-Winning Gardens • Cricket Pitch • Real Ales 01225 752426 | poplarsinn@gmail.com | poplarsinn.co.uk

01249 713305 | www.whitehorsebiddestone.co.uk

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PUB

Recently renovated, The George is the perfect place to visit for local ales, top quality wines and fantastic food created by our award-winning chef Alex Venables.

• Open fires • Cosy bar • Local produce & fresh fish • Dog friendly • Open daily from 9.30 for coffee & breakfast

NOW PEN ALSO O S Y A MOND

SET LUNCH 2 Courses £12.95 Monday to Saturday SUNDAY LUNCH Booking Essential! from £13.50 DELICIOUS AFTERNOON TEAS Available Friday to Sunday - Booking Essential!

Book your table today on 01225 865650

67 Woolley St, Bradford-on-Avon, BA15 1AQ | thegeorgebradfordonavon.co.uk

food & drink |

SUNDAY LUNCH Enjoy a wonderful meal with family and friends this Sunday. Great food, and no washing up – what could be better?!

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| food & drink

THE BARGE INN Seend Cleeve, Melksham You have to go pretty far to beat the setting of The Barge Inn, on the banks of the Kennet & Avon. As well as the obvious draw of the location, The Barge can also be relied upon to deliver excellent food, great Wadworth beers and much more.

On Sundays enjoy any one of roast topside of beef, roast pork or roast chicken – sourced from awardwinning suppliers Walter Rose & Sons of Devizes – as well as a vegetarian option and other selected dishes.

Roasts come with roast potatoes, veg, buttery cabbage, Yorkshire puddings and gravy. Mains cost £11.95, with smaller plates £8.50. Puddings, which are all £5.95 each, include the likes of lemon tart with clotted cream, sticky toffee pudding and triple chocolate brownie – real crowd pleasers.

01380 828230 | bargeinnseend.co.uk

BIDDESTONE ARMS The Green, Biddestone, Nr Chippenham Your host at the Biddestone Arms is James Hedges. A chef by trade, his career began during the 1980s when he was training with the famous Roux brothers in London. James ensures food is the speciality of the house.

With simple, beautifully executed dishes using only the finest quality ingredients it is no surprise the pub’s great reputation is spreading across the region. As James himself says, “We offer perfect, traditional English pub food, served in a relaxed environment.”

The carvery at the Biddestone Arms is hugely popular

The Barge Inn has a stunning setting

Their Sunday Carvery is hugely popular, with most opting for a main (£12.95) that offers any two slices from a selection of locally produced meat and a choice of vegetables, roast potatoes, Yorkshire pudding, gravy and accompaniments. Smaller plates are also available (£9.95) as is a children’s two course option (£8.95) that includes a dessert. Be sure to book one of the three sittings available.

01249 714377 | biddestonearms.co.uk

FARMHOUSE INN Frome Road, Southwick This family friendly destination in Southwick is a popular Sunday lunch choice round these parts. Served from 12-3pm you can enjoy a range of starters (£4.75 - £6.25) followed by a choice of 2 meats, beef and one of either pork or chicken, with adults mains costing £9.95 and child portions just £5.50. The beef is served with homemade Yorkshire pudding, whilst the pork is served with yummy crackling. New potatoes and extra veg are served separately to suit. To keep the kids amused there are colouring books and games, whilst in warmer weather they can also have fun in the lovely garden. Another option for something different on a Sunday is a juicy steak, served on a hot lava stone.

Available all day they range in price from £11.50 - £19.95.

01225 764366 | farmhousesouthwick.co.uk

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THE GEORGE 67 Woolley Street, Bradford on Avon The George in Bradford on Avon is the perfect place to visit for local ales, top quality wines and fantastic food. Owners Alison Ward-Baptiste and Alex Venables – an award winning chef who has worked in top establishments including The Savoy and Lucknam Park – were previously at the Tollgate in Holt for 13 years.

When it comes to food they cater for everything from celebratory full a la carte dining to affordable lunches that are perfect for catching up with friends (their set lunch offers two courses for £12.95). They have recently introduced yummy afternoon teas from Friday to Sunday (booking essential) and then there are their Sunday lunches – fast becoming the hottest ticket in town. As well as all your usual favourites, including roast topside of beef and homemade The Farmhouse is great for grown ups and kids alike

THE

Farmhouse INN

OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK

We offer a wide variety of homecooked food, real ales & fine wines with friendly, efficient service & stylish, comfortable surroundings.

SUNDAY ROASTS

Enjoy a choice of two meats & all the trimmings £9.95, Children’s portions £5.50 Frome Road, Southwick, Nr Trowbridge BA14 9QD t 01225 764366 e the.farmhouse@btconnect.com www.farmhousesouthwick.co.uk

BEAUTIFUL AWARD-WINNING VILLAGE PUB

biddestone arms

Fine Dining & Country Pub

•Award-Winning British Pub Menu • Finest Cask Ales • Superb Wines • Trip Advisor Certificate of Excellence Winner 2014 & 2015 01249 714377 | www.biddestonearms.co.uk | The Green, Biddestone, Nr Chippenham SN14 7DG

| food & drink rolled (£11) Alongside the main meat offerings they also serve a fish special and the day’s chicken dish as well as veggie options. All children’s meals are half the cost of the adult portions. On warm days, kids will love the Longs Arms garden, with swings, slide and a climbing frame, whilst parents can relax and enjoy some tasty food and drink. Also, don’t miss their annual Beer and Cider Festival on Saturday 23 April. Tickets are £5 per adult, which can be bought on the day or direct from the pub in the lead up.

The George offers whole roast chickens for four served at the table

Yorkshire pudding (£13.50), they also serve a Sunday special – a whole roast chicken for a family of four with roast potatoes, seasonal vegetables, Yorkshire puddings, bread sauce and gravy. All for £40. Delicious. Be sure to book ahead.

01225 865650 | thegeorgebradfordonavon.co.uk

LAMB ON THE STRAND 99 The Strand, Semington, Trowbridge From £23.95 for 3 courses. Childrens portion available A family run restaurant and pub, The Lamb offers excellent food and drink in a cosy and relaxed atmosphere; their efforts having been rewarded with a Trip Advisor Certificate of Excellence in 2015.

Sunday lunch at The Lamb is very special indeed. The menu changes seasonally, but you can always expect a choice of three roasted meats all served with their individual homemade gravy as well as a seafood and vegetarian option. Typically you will find the likes of Aberdeen Angus topside of beef served with a giant homemade Yorkshire pudding and horseradish sauce, or roast shoulder of pork from Downland’s served with apple sauce and crackling. All roasts come with crispy roast potatoes and delicious locally sourced seasonal

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01380 870245 | www.longsarms.co.uk

veg. Puddings are similarly inviting, with the likes of panna cotta, bread and butter pudding and cheesecake (served with fresh cream and crushed meringue) on hand to tempt you. Oh go on then!

LUCKNAM PARK HOTEL & SPA

Colerne, Nr Chippenham For a real treat this spring enjoy an opulent Sunday lunch at Lucknam Park’s Michelin Star restaurant. Their 01380 870263 | thelambonthestrand.co.uk award-winning Executive Chef Hywel Jones and his highly skilled brigade THE LONGS ARMS use the finest organic ingredients to High Street, Steeple Ashton ensure the fullest flavour, using local Based in an idyllic spot in the beautiful ingredients sourced wherever possible village of Steeple Ashton, The Longs from local suppliers. Full use is also Arms is another really popular made of their extensive herb garden. destination for Sunday lunch. Here they offer a choice of three meats, Sunday lunch is £39 per person for roast topside of beef with homemade three courses, which includes the likes Yorkshire puddings (£11), roast leg of of gravadlax of organic salmon, deep lamb (£13) and belly pork, boned and fried oyster, salad of ratte potatoes

Enjoy a beautiful Sunday lunch at the Michelin-starred Park Restaurant, Lucknam Park

Ham Green, Holt, WiltsHire, Ba14 6PY

Quality food freshly prepared for you

come & see us for Good value, HiGH qualitY food & friendlY, efficient service.

sundaY luncH served 12-3Pm Just £9.95. Why not follow it with one of our delicious homemade puddings?

• Wadworth real ales • children & dog friendly • Pretty Beer Garden • large car Park • open all day • smaller portions available

01225 782581 // theoldhamtree@gmail.com www.theoldhamtree.com

Enjoy a Cracking Sunday Lunch A choice of 3 meats served with crispy roast potatoes, each with their individual homemade gravy Plus a vegetarian & fish option 3 Courses from £23.95 | Child Portions AvAilAble Serving food 7 days a week: Lunch 12-2.30pm | Dinner 6-9.30pm

99 The Strand, Semington, Trowbridge BA14 6LL t 01380 870263 | e restaurant@lambonthestrand.co.uk

www.thelambonthestrand.co.uk

| food & drink The food at the Old Ham Tree offers generous portions and great value

in a choice of 2 restaurants, either overlooking the cricket pitch and gardens on a sunny day or getting cosy in the lounge. Food is served seven days a week, with the Sunday lunches being the most popular.

On offer is a lunch menu and daily specials board along with a choice of two succulent meats whether sirloin of beef with homemade Yorkshire puddings, breast of chicken with sage and onion stuffing or slow roasted lamb shank with minted gravy, all at the price of £11.95. There is also a wide selection of homemade desserts to fulfil every sweet tooth. Booking is an absolute must!

01225 752426 | poplarsinn.co.uk

and dill, sweet mustard dressing to start, a roast sirloin of Aberdeen Angus beef for main and a lemon tart with raspberries and lemon sorbet to finish; delicious, utterly indulgent and perfect for a family celebration. Lunch is served from 12.30pm with last orders taken at 2.30pm.

gmail.com. You can also find them on Facebook and Twitter.

01225 782581 | theoldhamtree.com

THE POPLARS

Shop Lane, Wingfield, Nr Trowbridge Now that spring has sprung and summer is in sight, a warm welcome 01225 742777 | lucknampark.co.uk awaits you at The Poplars in Wingfield.

This well established family run THE OLD HAM TREE business prides itself on serving great Ham Green, Holt food in a friendly relaxed atmosphere.

Situated on the village green in That’s why it’s been awarded the picturesque Holt, Sam & Steph Trip Advisor Certificate of Excellence welcome you to enjoy a Sunday lunch for the last four years. Delicious in their comfortable, spacious pub. home cooked food can be enjoyed On warmer days you can also dine al The Poplars has two restaurants, including one overlooking its own fresco in their beer garden, which is a cricket pitch real sun trap.

The food is made with an emphasis on quality ingredients and great value and is served between 12pm-3pm at £9.95 for adults and £6.95 for smaller portions. The portions are generous and there’s always a choice of meats available, alongside their full menu and an extensive selection of veggie options. What’s more, if you want to take your lunch as part of a longer family walk, they have a separate dining area that’s dog friendly too.

For more information or to book give them a call or email theoldhamtree@

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SHAW COUNTRY HOTEL Bath Rd, Atworth, Melksham Based on the outskirts of Melksham, this is a beautiful country house venue that serves a great Sunday lunch, offering two courses for £16 or three for just £19. To start there are tasty options like homemade soups and smooth liver paté. For mains, choose from the likes of roast sirloin of beef with Yorkshire puddings and gravy, a roast rump of lamb with mint sauce, or, if you would prefer fish, the grilled ‘Catch of the Day’ served

THE

Shaw Country

HOTEL & RESTAURANT

PLANNING AN EVENT?

We specialise in weddings, conferences and events, catering for up to 120 guests. To find out more please contact Emma Lewis or Sharon Brind.

SUNDAY ROASTS

On Sundays we serve our very popular traditional roast lunch. Choose between roast sirloin of beef, rump of lamb or our ‘Catch of the Day’ fresh fish.

Two Courses £16 | Three Courses £19

BOOK NOW FOR MOTHER’S DAY & EASTER Bath Road, Shaw, Nr Melksham, Wiltshire SN12 8EF www.shawcountryhotel.com // +44 (0)1225 702836 Winner Trip Advisor Certificate of Excellence 2011, 2012, 2013 & 2014

| food & drink with a lemon and dill butter sauce.

All mains also come with a selection of potatoes and fresh vegetables.

Finally, pudding (a real highlight at Shaw Country Hotel) how does a hazlenut meringue or American baked chocolate ripple cheesecake sound to you?!

01225 702836 | shawcountryhotel.com

THE THREE MAGPIES Sells Green, Seend, Melksham This traditional English pub offers a great range of real ales and fine wines. It is a homely, happy pub and they have a terrific team of staff waiting to welcome you. The Three Magpies can be found midway between Devizes and Melksham on the main B365 and it offers excellent seasonal homemade food, seven days a week, lunchtimes and evenings. The Sunday roasts use only the finest ingredients and the meat is from Walter Rose in Devizes, just down the road. Choose from the likes of shoulder of lamb, topside of beef or delicious pork with crackling.

A large portion is £9.95 or a small £6.95. On warmer days you can make the most of the large beer garden and children’s play area, and pop in on Monday or Wednesday lunchtime and enjoy a 2 course lunch for an amazing £7. Also enjoy fish on Fridays; they offer a lunch consisting of two fish & chips, bread and butter and a pot of tea for just £10 – outstanding value!

trimmings for £10.95. All the meat comes from W.J. Harris in Bristol. And if you have room left for pudding you can add a homemade dessert from the chef’s selection and enjoy two courses for £14.95. What’s more, most of the menu has a gluten free equivalent and Sunday lunch can be completely gluten free (including stuffing & Yorkshire puddings), making it an ideal place to head if you have someone in your party with a wheat intolerance. Their larger family tables sell out fast so call ahead to reserve your table. Then enjoy a play in the giant back garden or a walk down to the village duck pond.

Takeaway ice creams and cream teas are available too!

01249 713305 | whitehorsebiddestone.co.uk

WOOLLEY GRANGE HOTEL Woolley Green, Bradford on Avon Woolley Grange has been offering great food, service and entertainment for the whole family for over 25 years. Food is sourced locally wherever possible and their own acre of kitchen walled garden could not be more local; it’s a question of ‘wheelbarrow miles’ from the garden to the kitchen door.

Sunday lunch is a traditional occasion with lunch followed by spending the afternoon at the hotel enjoying the variety of play facilities. A large selection of toys and games dotted 01380 828389 | threemagpies.co.uk around the house for those who can’t sit still for very long! And outside, THE WHITE HORSE play houses next to the chickens The Green, Biddestone, Nr Chippenham and ducks, croquet, football goals, Known traditionally as ‘the pub by the trampoline, pond dipping, pool table duck pond’, The White Horse is one of and an outdoor play area with swings, the most picturesque public houses mean you can be there all day! The around. Head over on a Sunday and Woolley Bears Den children’s club you can enjoy a delicious lunch in the is also available on a pre-booking newly refurbished restaurant or snug. basis and a small charge applies for Choose from a selection of three this one facility. Their traditional roast meats - roast rump of beef, breast of with all the trimmings is served from chicken and leg of pork - and all the 12 – 2pm every Sunday. They offer a

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choice of meats plus a vegetarian and a seafood option.

01225 864705 | woolleygrangehotel.co.uk

LOVEJOYS WHOLESALE Ashville Centre, Melksham Lovejoys head honcho Neil Mortimer has spent almost half his life growing, supplying and sourcing the local produce that has adorned many a restaurant table in the area over the past 20 years. Known to many local chefs and restaurateurs as ‘the Lord of the Green Stuff’, he’s legendary round these parts as the go-to-guy for the ingredients that underpin the success of any independent restaurant: the leaves, roots, gourds, fruits, berries, fungi and more that represent the quintessential fresh tastes of any given British season.

While Neil’s team is able to source produce from across the globe, Lovejoys roots are firmly planted in the locally sourced ethos, striving to support the local economy and keep food miles low by largely using growers based within a 10-mile radius. When it comes to Sunday roasts, the venues Lovejoys supply can boast Maris Piper potatoes from Boyds Farm in Gastard, carrots, purple sprouting, cauliflowers, cabbages and parsnips from Stills Farm in Bromham and fresh herbs from Folly Farm in Warminster to name just three. What’s more, Lovejoys also has its own on-site prep room, which is ideal for chefs with limited time and/ or no budget for a full brigade.

01225 708838 | lovejoyswholesale.com

EAT Enjoy breakfast lunch and dinners, craft beers, wines & much more at The Lock Inn CafĂŠ beside the Kennet & Avon Canal. www.thelockinn.co.uk 01225 868068

PEDAL OR PADDLE TT Cycles is a premier bike shop offering sales and servicing whilst Towpath Trail offers bike and canoe hire. www.ttcycles.co.uk 01225 867187

SLEEP Widbrook Barns offers self contained, comfortable B&B barns in private grounds plus Gypsy Caravan stays. www.widbrookbarns.co.uk 01225 865049

| food & drink

eat the

seasons Keeping you in the know as to what is coming into season each month is NEIL MORTIMER from Lovejoys Wholesale...

W

inter is well behind us and we can look forward to the new season ahead. Because of the mild winter Ross on Wye asparagus is available from now until the end of June. Most of the winter vegetables have now finished except for purple sprouting and winter cauliflower.

Try to use your farm shops and village shops and always ask, if a product is not labelled, if they can tell you where it is from. Food miles should be on all of our minds, it encourages seasonality and it helps our local economy too.

We were out and about for a walk the other

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day and saw crocuses, daffodils, snowdrops and primroses all in the same place - they just do not know what to do with the weather so strange. They have no idea when

Try to use your farm shops and village shops and always ask, if a product is not labelled, if they can tell you where it is from. it is spring anymore do they!? This also applies to English strawberries where the season has lengthened by three or four months! This is attributed to better varieties, poly tunnels and climate change! Expect to see them arriving on the shelves in the next few weeks.

As ever throughout the growing season there is lots to do in your gardens and allotments this month. Seeds to sow outdoors are broad beans, carrots, raddish, beetroot and lettuce. This is the last month for planting any main crop potatoes. There are lots now available in the shops or garden centres.

Neil @lovejoysuk Find out more at www.lovejoyswholesale.com

recipes |

Amazing

Asparagus

The season is short but an absolute treat in the foodie calendar. Make the most of locally grown asparagus with these delicious recipes from Waitrose.

Pan-fried Sea Bass with Saffronbraised Peas & Broad Beans Serves 4

ďż˝

Ingredients 300g wholewheat fusilli 2 x 230g bunch English Asparagus, trimmed 2 tsp olive oil 2 cloves garlic, thinly sliced 1 red chilli, deseeded and chopped 50g walnuts, roughly chopped Grated zest and juice of 1 orange 1 tbsp finely grated parmesan cheese

Method Cook the pasta in a large pan of boiling water for 9 minutes until al dente. Meanwhile, cook the asparagus in a pan of boiling water for 2–3 minutes until al dente then cool under running water. Drain and pat dry on kitchen paper then toss with half the oil.

Heat a large ridged griddle or heavy non-stick frying pan and cook the asparagus on a high heat for

2–3 minutes, in batches if necessary, turning once or twice until charred.

Cut in half widthways.

Drain the pasta and return to the pan. Heat the remaining oil in a small saucepan and add the garlic and chilli. Cook for 1 minute until just golden then add the walnuts, orange zest and juice and bring to the boil.

Add to the drained pasta with the asparagus, toss together and serve sprinkled with the grated cheese.

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| recipes

Jersey Royals & Asparagus Creamy Lancashire Melt Serves 2 Ingredients 500g Jersey Royals, halved 250g bunch asparagus, halved 200g tub hollandaise sauce 2 tbsp snipped fresh chives 50g Dewlay Creamy Lancashire, grated

Asparagus & Goats Cheese Tart Serves 6 Ingredients 1 x 230g sheet shortcrust pastry, thawed 230g bunch English Asparagus, trimmed 130g pack Butlers Ravens Oak Goat’s Cheese, cubed 4 medium free range eggs 150ml single cream ½ x 15g pack chives, snipped

Meanwhile steam the asparagus for 4–5 minutes until just tender.

Drain and run under cold water. Pat dry with kitchen paper and cut into 5cm lengths. Arrange over the base of the pastry case and scatter over the cubed goat’s cheese.

Whisk together the eggs, cream and chives. Season the mixture and pour into the pastry case. Bake for 30–35 minutes until the filling is set and the top golden. Serve warm or cold with a salad.

Method Cook the potatoes in a large pan of boiling water for 10–12 minutes until almost cooked through. Add the asparagus and cook for a further 3–4 minutes until both vegetables are tender, then drain.

Return the vegetables to the pan, add the sauce and chives and mix gently together, stirring until the sauce coats the vegetables.

Tip the vegetables into a small heatproof dish, scatter with cheese and cook under a medium, preheated grill for 3–4 minutes until bubbling and lightly browned.

Serve swiftly.

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�

Method Preheat the oven to 200ºC. Unroll the pastry sheet and line a 23cm loose-bottomed flan tin with it, trimming the excess to fit. Prick with a fork. Chill in the fridge for 10 minutes then line with a crumpled sheet of greaseproof paper over the pastry and weigh it down with baking beans or rice grains. Bake blind for 10 minutes then remove the beans or rice and paper and return to the oven for a further 5 minutes.

�

| food & drink

Veg Out Time to

Cardoon Gratin

Demuths Cookery School and Riverford Organic Farms have teamed up to bring you tailored veggie classes to help you make the most of beautiful, seasonal British veg. To find out more we spoke with local restaurateur, author, teacher and cook RACHEL DEMUTH. HOW DID YOU FIRST GET INTO COOKING? I grew up in the Cotswolds and went to university in Brighton to study African History. I took a job at Neal’s Yard Bakery in Covent Garden, London after that and it was there I discovered my passion for working with food.

WHICH ESTABLISHMENTS HAVE YOU PREVIOUSLY RUN? I set up my own bakery in Bath, Broad Street Bakery, which I ran for 10 years, and in 1987 I started Demuths Restaurant and enjoyed cooking innovative vegetarian food for 26 years. The Cookery School started in 2000, customers who had bought our cookery books, asked us to teach them how to make the ‘Demuths’ style of food, I started the school at home and thoroughly enjoy teaching, and getting to know a group over a day, sharing ideas and experiences. In 2010 the school outgrew my home and it moved to the centre of Bath to a wonderful airy light space with fantastic views of the Abbey and Parade Gardens.

WHAT IS YOUR ASSOCIATION WITH RIVERFORD? I’ve been a fan of Riverford since Guy Watson started delivering veg boxes in the back of his Citroen in 1993. Now I enjoy working with Riverford Bath, and we have classes designed to teach people how to cook

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food & drink | simple and delicious meals using the ingredients in their veg boxes! If you are not that confident in the kitchen or would like to expand your skills then these friendly classes are just for you, helping you to expand your vegetarian reportoire to create tasty, fresh and healthy meat free dishes.

Rachel Demuth at her cookery school

WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE RIVERFORD RECIPE? Cardoon Gratin (pictured left). I had this dish cooked at their organic pub Riverford At The Duke of Cambridge in London last week and it was delicious, served with roast potatoes. Cardoons are worth growing as they are the most statuesque vegetable and look great in the herbaceous border. is The Green Rocket and for a special evening meal out I would choose DO YOU BELIEVE ‘BRITISH Acorn vegetarian Kitchen.

IS BEST’?

Yes, absolutely, and locally grown and WHEN YOU COOK FOR organic if possible.

FRIENDS, WHAT’S ON THE MENU? WHICH LOCAL PUBS AND I’ve just come back from Myanmar RESTAURANTS DO YOU LIKE (Burma) so my friends are being VISITING? treated to Burmese curries at the In Bath my favourite vegetarian café moment.

"I enjoy working with Riverford Bath, and we have classes designed to teach people how to cook simple and delicious meals using the ingredients in their veg boxes!"

Rhubarb Fool

Cookery school pupils

WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE KITCHEN GADGET? It has to be my knife; it even comes on holiday with me!

WHAT IS YOUR GUILTY PLEASURE? I love really good ice cream. I’m rather partial to Yeo Valley organic lemon curd ice cream.

The next class dates are 19 April, 28 June and 18 October. To book your class call Demuths on 01225 427938.

• www.demuths.co.uk • www.riverford.co.uk

Riverford veg boxes

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food & drink |

Down at the Farm Shop

TOM BOWLES and his family run both Hartley Farm Shop and Neston Farm Shop, which they took over last year. Here are the latest goings on from the farms…

HARTLEY FARM SHOP

Tom with the farm’s herd of Aberdeen Angus cattle

Life begins again on the farm in spring! Hartley’s Aberdeen Angus herd calve through April and May, so soon visitors will be seeing little black bundles of joy bouncing around the fields. Also next door at Church Farm, Steve Bowles will be into his lambing season so there will be plenty to see in the fields around Winsley in the coming weeks. As it’s such a great time of year to see the farm in action their Farm Open Day will be back too. On Sunday 1st May from 10-4pm life on the farm will be celebrated a farm walk, pre-bookable tractor tours, the big green barbecues will be firing and some of the shop’s favourite local suppliers will be on local food! Firstly Alice from Mayfield hand too. Check their events and Organic will be joining from the Facebook pages for details and to beginning of this month. Alice works book tractor tours. directly with farmers and growers • hartley-farm.co.uk across Wiltshire and beyond to source the best organic fruit and NESTON FARM SHOP veg. Cavendish Cooks meanwhile At the start of the year the team joined last month and offer a brilliant at Neston asked customers for homecooked range of frozen ready feedback and ideas on planning meals. John and Sue have recently the year ahead. They had some taken on the business, which started great responses and some brilliant in Bath, and have moved out to ideas. During the last month work kitchens at Neston Farm Shop. has started on a refurbishment, The farm supplies them with their expanding the shop floor to house award-winning local meat and they even more of the best food and drink sell the complete range in the farm the westcountry has to offer. shop too!

As well as their own produce, Neston has also teamed up with two wonderful local businesses to bring customers even more beautiful

has just been launched! There is an expanded breakfast menu available throughout the week and also a few more wonderful veggie dishes to try too!

• nestonfarmshop.co.uk

Neston’s shop is being expanded...

Head chef Steve Mercer (@ SteveMercerFood) has also been listening keenly to customer feedback and a new spring menu

As well as their own produce, Neston has also teamed up with two wonderful local businesses to bring customers even more beautiful local food!

...to include even more great westcountry produce

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| gardens

Botanic Nursery Peony Weekends

G

ood gardening is about harmony with nature and the multiple RHS gold medal award-winning Botanic Nursery gives you everything you need to grow great plants. Their nursery is open from Tuesday to Saturday and has interesting display gardens that house hollyhocks, hellebores, peonies, salvias, rare and unusual shrubs as well as the National Collection of Foxgloves.

It’s a great source of inspiration and an ideal way to see these plants thriving in their preferred conditions. Terry Baker, who founded the nursery with wife Mary in 1976 says “Above all we are enthusiasts ourselves and we love to help customers with advice on growing our plants so they needn’t feel intimidated if they don’t have a great deal of knowledge or if they

are new to gardening. Pay us a visit and we’ll help wherever we can!”

Find the nursery in Atworth, on the outskirts of Melksham, alternatively you can purchase a wide range of plants and seeds on their website, which also carries oodles of information and advice. You can also see the nursery at many plant fairs and shows across the UK over the coming months, starting with the RHS Great London Plant Fair at the beginning of April, Great Chalfield Plant Fair on Saturday 1 May, the RHS Chelsea Flower Show at the end of May and Gardeners’ World Live in June. They are also hosting their own Peony Weekends on 16 and 17 April and 30 April, 1 and 2 May, where you can head along and see the peony collections and enjoy a short tour around the nursery

highlighting some of their beautiful, seldom seen, plants. There are also special talks at 2pm each day. Email office@botanicnursery.co.uk for more information. Even better, take this copy of The West Wilts Magazine with you and receive 10% off your plants! Alternatively call 07850 328756 for more information.

• thebotanicnursery.co.uk

Spring offers from Mendip Mowers

S

pring is here and the grass has finally started to grow again! Is your lawn mower fit and raring to go? If not be sure to head over to Mendip Mowers for a service. They supply, service and

just call for more information on 01373 832965.

As well as servicing and repair, Mendip Mowers also specialise in the sale of all Honda lawn and

“Honda has just announced its exciting new offers, which include up to £400 off lawnmowers when you trade in your old equipment for a new Honda.” repair all types of garden machinery and as the Honda Authorised Dealer for West Wiltshire and North Somerset they not only supply some of the most reliable products available on the market, but they also provide the excellent levels of customer service that are expected from a quality brand. Can’t drop it off yourself? Don’t worry, they also offer a handy collection service too,

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garden machinery. Honda has just announced its exciting new offers for this spring, which include up to £400 off lawnmowers when you trade in your old equipment for a new Honda. The best idea

is to pop into their showroom on the Green Farm Industrial Estate in Chapmanslade, where as well as a full selection of mowers suitable for all sizes of lawn you’ll also find a range of brush cutters, with Honda’s quiet, cost effective and powerful four stroke engine and Versatool, the engine with seven attachments.

• mendipmowers.co.uk

The Botanic Nursery Coombe Lane, Atworth, Melksham SN12 8NU

A family-run plant nursery near Melksham with lovely display gardens and a great selection of plants, including woody shrubs, fabulous peonies and salvias and the National Collection of Foxgloves.

Open Tuesday-Saturday 10am-5pm Call 07850 328756, visit our beautiful gardens and nursery or buy online

www.thebotanicnursery.co.uk

Bring THE WEST WILTS MAGAZINE with you & receive 10% OFF all plant sales

GIFT VOUCHERS AVAILABLE HERE

FIND US AT Marsh Road, Hilperton, Wiltshire BA14 7PL

01225 571331

POTTED SPRING BULBS IN STOCK NOW

Our choice of the finest spring flowering bulbs including

Daffodils, Tulips, Crocus, Hyacinths, Alliums, Snowdrops, Anenomes, Bluebells, Fritillaries, Iris and many more...

• Bedding • Perennials • Annuals • Ornamental & Fruit Trees • Shrubs • Climbers • Conifers • Roses ALL GROWN ON BRITISH NURSERIES PLUS: Pots & Planters • Compost • Fertilisers & Chemicals • Seeds • Tools • Sundries OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK: Monday - Saturday 9am-6pm, Sunday 10am-5pm

Also visit J Alex Brown Hardware, Ironmongery, Decorating & DIY, Gardening & More 30 Silver Street, Bradford on Avon, Wiltshire Tel 01225 862236

Wiltshire’s Leading Independent Property Management Company 15 Market Place, Devizes SN10 1HT t 01380 720400 e debbie@marsdenslettings.co.uk www.marsdenslettings.co.uk

All Reclaimed Building Materials Bought & Sold

General home maintenance for all your home needs • General handyman works • Fitting & erecting furniture • Electrical repairs • Gardening & fencing • Painting & decorating • Plumbing Call 07538 206917 www.homefix365.co.uk

Reclaimed Building Materials & Architectural Antiques

The White Horse Yard, Beechfield Rd, Hopton Park Ind Est, Devizes SN10 2DX

Tel: 01380 730999 See our full range of stock on our website:

www.beechfieldreclamation.co.uk Covering Wiltshire & Somerset

alex@homefix365.co.uk

S.L. Corden & Sons

We are a traditional hardware store with a modern twist.

Come to us for...

Gardening Equipment | Outdoor Furniture Household Items | Ironmongery | Tools Paint | DIY | Electrical | Key Cutting Camping Equipment | Sugarcraft | Gifts 4 High Street, Warminster, Wiltshire BA12 9AE 01985 212115 | slcorden.co.uk | s.fraser2@btconnect.com

| gardens

Get a beautiful lawn

GreenThumb started lawn treatment in the UK over 30 years ago.

Since then the business has grown through a network of 220 local family run businesses who are now your local experts in lawn care...

Before

O

ften the centrepiece that sets off spectacular flowering borders, links from patio to pond and sundeck to shrubbery, the lawn is often the least cared-for feature in the garden.

GreenThumb (Bath & West Wilts) is owned by Graham Smith,

After

“Spraying the lawn with a selective herbicide can rid it of dandelions, daisies and clover, as well as other weeds. This can have a huge impact on the quality of your lawn later in the season. Our specially formulated feed is also filled with essential nutrients to improve your lawn’s condition, leaving it looking greener

“All the team at GreenThumb are lawn professionals with many years of experience lawns are all they do! “ operating from Bumpers Farm in Chippenham. “Weeds are the bane of many lawns, and spring is a good time to tackle them,” says Graham.

GreenThumb offer special seasonal treatments

and healthier - the perfect way to set off your spring garden.”

GreenThumb’s seasonal lawn care treatments have been designed to work alongside nature and weather conditions that are common during the four conventional periods of the year, helping customers to sustain the appearance of a beautiful lawn whatever the time of year.

All the team at GreenThumb are lawn professionals with many years

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of experience - lawns are all they do! The products used are simply not available in Garden Centres or DIY stores, with many made especially for GreenThumb by leading suppliers from the ‘sportsturf’ industry. Trading as a franchise in the Bath and West Wilts area for 15 years, GreenThumb is the region’s largest and most recommended lawn care specialist with over 3000 customers using the regular four treatments per year service.

GreenThumb treatments cost from just £15 per application, and the householder does not have to be in when the treatments take place.

The service is pay-as-you-go and there are no customer contracts to sign.

For a FREE LAWN SURVEY contact GreenThumb on freephone 0800 0111 222 or by email bath@greenthumb.co.uk • greenthumb.co.uk

OLD MILESTONE NURSERY MELKSHAM ROAD, HOLT, WILTSHIRE BA14 6QT

01225 783226

MORE PLEASE

Our selling success means we urgently require more houses to sell

ORDER YOUR SUMMER HANGING BASKETS NOW

Hundreds of ready planted baskets & pots available

SUMMER BEDDING & BASKETS Large range of trailing plants & thousands of garden-ready bedding plants

CALL FOR A FREE MARKET APPRAISAL

01373 824958

14 High Street, Westbury, Wiltshire BA13 3BW

PLUS standard fuchsias, geraniums, perennials, herbs, shrubs & climbers WE ARE A FAMILY RUN NURSERY SELLING ONLY PLANTS

ACTIVE

PLUMBING SUPPLIES TROWBRIDGE LTD

Unit 6-7 Riverway, Trowbridge, Wiltshire BA14 8LL

TROWBRIDGE SHOWROOM OPEN FIND LUXURY BATHROOMS AT AFFORDABLE PRICES!

We are the nUmBeR one source for heating and plumbing in Trowbridge and surrounding areas.

We can supply a huge range of products: Radiators Boilers Cylinders Underfloor Heating Complete Bathroom Suites

01225 765000

www.activeplumbingsupplies.co.uk

Š Batterham Matthews Architects. Photo by Paolo Ferla Photography

hy

Offering beautifully designed kitchens, or kitchen replacement doors, with a FREE innovative design & planning service • Stunning ranges including Contemporary, Traditional, Painted, Gloss and more • Expert Design and Installation • Appliances from the Industry’s Leading Manufacturers • The Homemaker Customer Care & After Sales Service 5-6 George Street, Warminster, Wilts BA12 8QA

01985 219200 | www.myhomemaker.co.uk

See our range of stunning armchairs & sofas instore today!

SEE OUR NEW WEBSITE FOR LATEST DEALS

01985 847031 | sofacoplus@yahoo.co.uk| www.sofaco.co.uk | 15 George Street, Warminster, BA12 8QA

house & home |

HOUSE PROUD From the latest in contemporary design, to the finest traditional craftsmanship and essential maintenance. Whatever your home needs, our spring interiors guide will provide it.

Stephen Graver Ltd design and project manage the construction of beautiful hand built kitchens

THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE

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| house & home

KITCHENS & BATHROOMS ACTIVE PLUMBING SUPPLIES (Trowbridge) Active Plumbing Supplies specialises in supplying plumbing products for trade and retail customers, stocking anything to do with bathrooms and heating. As well as supplying everything from showers, baths and sinks to radiators and toilets, Active Plumbing Supplies also offers advice to customers unsure about how they want to design their bathroom. Manager Martyn Johnson said, “We pride ourselves on our customer service, helping customers with any plumbing advice they need.

We always aim to go the extra mile. The showroom has recently been refurbished and looks great. It helps gives people ideas for how they can transform their bathroom or cloakroom, and our staff are also on hand if customers want any tips or advice on their design.”

Along with all the other services it provides, Active Plumbing Supplies can also recommend plumbers to customers who have jobs that need doing and provide contact details for them. Mr Johnson added: “As part of the personal touch we provide we can point people in the direction of plumbers for certain jobs. We can recommend the best company to speak to depending on what they need doing. You don’t get that from your big DIY warehouses.”

01225 765000 | martyn@ activeplumbingsupplies.co.uk

BATHROOMS AT NO. 5 (Bradford on Avon) When it comes to innovation and stunning design, Bathrooms at No. 5 offers all you could possibly need all under one roof. Their boutique style showroom combines a fantastic range of products with a warm, professional

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service and innovative approach to bathroom design and installation. They can provide everything from a new mixer tap to the most contemporary bathrooms and wet rooms, all the while offering expert knowledge, guidance and advice throughout the process.

Able to handle all manner of projects, whether it’s a compact cloakroom or a luxurious bathroom suite, Bathrooms at No.5 take great pride in everything they undertake, balancing practicality with style in every design they create. Once you’ve settled on your perfect bathroom, their expert in-house installation team will ensure it is fitted with minimum fuss, yet with the maximum care and expertise.

01225 309110 | bathroomsatno5.co.uk

HOME INSPIRATIONS (Devizes) With 25 years experience, director Matthew Gould and his team have built up an enviable reputation in the area in the fitting of bathrooms, kitchens, home offices and bedrooms, bringing such projects in on time and within budget.

Home Inspirations has a team with vast experience who take great pride in seeing a job through to completion.

After many years of hard work and outstanding customer care they have Bathrooms at No. 5 design and install stunning bathrooms

also been awarded Which? Trusted Trader status. Matthew says, “This award is something the team are really pleased about and which I think reflects the hard work put in by all members of staff over a number of years. In this industry we rely on customers to take something of a leap of faith by trusting us with their home renovation, and hopefully this will give them even greater peace of mind when they do so.”

Spring is an ideal time to spruce up your home; why not find out more by giving Home Inspirations a call or visiting their website?

01380 728644 | homeinspirationsltd.co.uk

HOMEMAKER (Warminster) Homemaker is a family owned independent company supplying kitchens and electrical appliances from all the major manufacturers from their three shops in Warminster, Shaftesbury

“As well as selling top quality appliances, Homemaker is probably best known in the area for their British made kitchens

by Charles Rennie Mackintosh”

| house & home and Bath. As well as selling top quality appliances, Homemaker is probably best known in the area for their British made kitchens by Charles Rennie Mackintosh and Quantum as well as their Hacker Kitchens, custom made in Germany. The latest solid quartz, acrylic and timber worktops are stocked too. If you are looking for a change but need some ideas as to what you could do, or even if you know exactly what you are looking for, give the team a call – Homemaker pride themselves on giving good reliable local service to their customers at very competitive prices.

01985 219200 | myhomemaker.co.uk

PREMIER KITCHEN DOORS (Wiltshire & Somerset) If your kitchen has seen better days, but you don’t have the pennies to invest in a new one, consider using Premier Kitchen Doors, who specialise in delivering kitchen makeovers, without the cost and disruption of having a new fitted kitchen.

Somerset based Premier Kitchen Doors offer a fully bespoke service and it’s not just the doors and drawer fronts that get replaced, they change, well, everything you can see, including worktops, appliances, tiling and flooring if you need it. The choice of options is extensive, using high quality materials manufactured in the UK. As kitchen replacement specialists, Premier Kitchen Doors is a company that prides itself on the quality of its installations, and they have a long list of customers happy to recommend them – you can read their reviews on the Check-A-Trade website (checkatrade.com/premierkitchendoors) Call now to arrange a free, no obligation, home visit.

01225 459559 | premierkitchendoors.co.uk

STEPHEN GRAVER (Steeple Ashton) Whether you are looking for the perfect kitchen for a period room, a

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The furniture ranges in Avalon Interiors are manufactured locally

barn conversion or a contemporary new build, be sure to speak with award-winning kitchen designer Stephen Graver Ltd. Stephen Graver takes care and time over every project, ensuring that the functional requirements are met, while always looking for features to make every project personal and unique.

“Stephen Graver takes care and time over every project, ensuring that the functional requirements are met, while always looking for features to make every project personal and unique.”

Stephen himself will visit your home so he can view your space, talk through your ideas and work with you to create a completely bespoke kitchen that fits your brief down to the finest detail. You can get involved with the design process as much or as little as you like. And with Stephen Graver, bespoke really does mean bespoke.

You can create your dream design and layout, handpick your worktops, choose your own handles and even select the internal configuration of your drawers and cupboards.

Everything is designed and manufactured onsite at their workshop, giving them complete control over the manufacturing. You can even arrange a time to come and see your project taking shape.

TIPADEL

01380 871746 | stephengraver.com

(Frome) The builders’ merchant Tipadel Ltd in Frome isn’t just a supplier for people in the trade. Members of the public can also take advantage of the specialist knowledge they have to offer. Head over to ‘The Studio’, their showroom, and you’ll find a wide range of well fitted displays. Here you can see their exclusive range of kitchens and bathrooms, all laden with new products that could be the exact thing you’re looking for. Tipadel also offer a design service, producing 3D models of your ideas. Once you’ve settled on what you want they will call in their trusted fitters to come and make your dream kitchen or bathroom a reality.

With well over 25 years of experience they know what they’re doing

Davies of Westbury DIY, Gardening & Cook Shop

SOVEREIGN DAMP PROOFING & CONSTRUCTION LTD APPROVED CONTRACTOR FOR THE NATIONAL TRUST & THE CROWN ESTATES

CELEBRATING 30 YEARS IN BUSINESS Rising Damp - Basement Waterproofing

For all your needs around the home, both inside & out • DIY • Tools • Gardening • Tools • Heating • Logs & Fuels • Electricals • Decorating • Cooking • Sugarcraft

FREE LOCAL DELIVERY

TO WESTBURY & SURROUNDING AREAS OPEN Monday to Saturday 9am - 5.30pm (Sunday CLOSED)

24 Edward Street, Westbury, BA13 3BD

Tel 01373 822431 www.daviesofwestbury.co.uk

Specialist Re-Plastering Replacement Wall Ties Woodworm, Dry & Wet Rot Treatment Approved Delta Membrane Installer

FREE 30 YEAR GUARANTEE Protected guarantee available - working to BS6576

Email: scott@sovereigndpc.co.uk www.sovereigndpc.co.uk

01249 716161 / 01225 811222 Unit 1, Ingoldmells Court, Edinburgh Way, Leafield Ind Estate Corsham, Wiltshire SN13 9XN

Enjoy a fabulous new kitchen at a fraction of the cost A wide choice of attractive, high quality UK manufactured materials available.

Call now to arrange your free no obligation consultation and quotation.

CALL 01225 459559 | www.premierkitchendoors.co.uk

| house & home the best furniture stores in the area!

Con-tempo manufactures its own bespoke furniture right next to its store, so you can have pretty much whatever you want – particularly ideal if you are trying to furnish an 01373 451600 | tipadel.co.uk awkward space. Best known for the high quality oak range called Quercus, Con-tempo is expanding its range to include high end upholstery.

Fantastic quality at reasonable prices AVALON INTERIORS has always been the company motto (Frome) Since opening its doors earlier this year and Con-tempo is delighted to announce the arrival of some truly in Frome town centre, Avalon Interiors has seen a very positive response from stunning sofas, chairs and upholstered furniture into the local and visiting customers alike.

Owner Sarah comments, “We have had Warminster store. You are very a very warm welcome from Frome and welcome to visit and try it for people have been very pleased to hear yourself; feel the quality and peruse the range of fabrics and leathers that our ‘in store’ furniture ranges are available too. And whilst you are manufactured locally by a group of there you can take a look at the highly experienced makers. Everyone complete range, set out in inspiring has been very complementary about the displays, product ranges and choice room sets so you can envisage how it would look within your home. They within the store and sales are going are open Monday to Saturday from very well”.

9am to 6pm.

The store will be refreshing its displays 01985 213222 | con-tempofurniture.co.uk regularly by changing accessories, furniture and windows around with COPPICE GUILD the seasons so there will always be (Bradford on Avon) something new to see.

Coppice Guild, at the foot of Coppice ensuring that their kitchen and bathroom showroom is a pleasant and welcoming place to be, with friendly staff on hand to help you make the right choice.

INTERIORS & FURNISHINGS

Hill/The Shambles, is an interiors specialist owned by local resident Julie Mason. Inside this boutique showroom you will find elegant displays that will help inspire you on your own renovation. As well as offering beautiful and clever solutions for your kitchen, you can also can gain beautiful professionally designed cabinetry for any room without the heavy branded price tag. Julie has a wealth of experience working with cabinetmakers including well-known names such as Plain English, Chalon and Mark Wilkinson, allowing them to offer a complete turn key solution to any project you may have in mind.

Why not head over to start discussing your ideas? Give her a call or pop into the showroom at 28 Coppice Hill.

01225 862268 | coppiceguild.co.uk

DIBLE & ROY (Bradford on Avon) Dible & Roy offers a range of products and services to enable you to transform any room. Supplying the finest products from many leading brands including Harlequin, they specialise in delivering the highest quality bespoke soft furnishings, upholstery, furniture and design schemes to add style and

There will always be a variety of styles of mirrors, clocks, table and floor lamps, ornaments and soft furnishings on display. There is a large choice of bookcases, tables, dressers, chests, wardrobes and much more and the friendly sales staff are always on hand to offer advice and information.

01373 466414 | sales@avaloninteriors.co.uk

CON-TEMPO FURNITURE (Warminster) You may have heard of Con-tempo Furniture in Warminster, if so, then you will be pleased to hear about the new ranges of high quality furniture that are now available. If not, then you’ve been missing out; it’s one of

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There are some stunning new ranges this spring at Dible & Roy

FOR GREAT DESIGN IDEAS THIS SPRINGTIME, COME & VISIT OUR

INSPIRATIONAL SHOWROOM AT SILVER STREET, GASTARD, SN13 9PY

FEATURING

New furniture ranges, Vincent Sheppard, Whitehead Designs, Bespoke Furniture, Curtains & Blinds, Interior Design, Fabrics & Wallpaper, Flooring, Gifts Parking is available in front of showroom

• www.perfectrooms.co.uk • Tel: 01249 716445 • perfectrooms@btconnect.com

| house & home individuality to any home or business.

Dible & Roy offer a full range of interior design services, including one to one consultations should you want them. In their Bridge Street store customers can view a range of designer fabrics, paints, wallpapers and even custom made curtains and blinds, which can be delivered straight to your door. Pop in now to see their stunning new spring ranges.

01225 862320 | dibleandroy.co.uk

KNEES

at 10% off and there are fab offers on hoovers, washing machines and much more besides.

There is also a great Neff event in early April, where you can save money on great built in cooking appliances. Life really is good at Knees this spring!

01225 754161 | knees.online

PERFECT ROOMS (Gastard, nr Corsham) There is a lot going on at Perfect Rooms, from their everchanging shop floor to the new installation of their concept café! Enjoy a delicious hot drink whilst you spend hours going through fabric, marvelling over wallpaper and creating a gorgeous new scheme. They have remnants for you to play with, fabrics for you to feel and gifts for you to take home.

(Trowbridge) Until 30 April, Knees in Trowbridge is holding a huge spring sale with discounts available in every department. If you are looking for furniture you’ll find up to 30% on all Spring is the perfect time clearance items and 20% to put a little life back into on everything else. Beds too are up to 30% off, and There are great discounts your home, what better way that includes bed linen. In across the store at Knees than with one of their new collections, like Fauvismo, their electrical sections from their friends at Sanderson. A there are great deals on range vibrant collection of bold colours and cookers, built in ovens and hobs prints both on fabric and wallpaper, covering all the industry’s best you could have a feature wall or a brands. If it’s kitchen accessories you incorporate a few scatter cushions to need then Knees have that too – the Cookshop is stocked with top brands bring a little sunshine into a room.

Beathe life into your home with Perfect Rooms

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Pop by the showroom in Gastard and the friendly staff will be more than happy to help. They can direct you to the right kind of book, guide you gently through the styling process, or take on all interior design work from start to finish. If you haven’t already, take a look at their brand new website, and for inspiration at your fingertips their blog is well worth a visit (find the link on their website); it is regularly updated with great ideas and schemes to get your creative juices flowing. On the website you can also sign up to their newsletter for fabulous (and not too frequent!)

emails letting you know what’s going on, and when the new café is open!

01249 716445 | perfectrooms.co.uk

SOFA CO PLUS (Warminster) Sofa Co is an independent boutique furniture store based in Warminster since late 2009. It has established a reputation for supplying top quality sofas from some of the finest manufacturers in the UK, Europe and South Africa. There are beautiful UK built sofas, stunning leather sofas from South Africa and funky colourful designs from Spanish manufacturer Fama.

As well as sofas, you can also expect to find mirrors, lighting, throws, cushions and always a display of contemporary artwork – they even offer a re upholstery service, from a seat pad repair to a full recover of a sofa. Head over to their store and enjoy a coffee and a browse, and you might be surprised by the great value prices on offer too.

01985 847031 | sofaco.co.uk

DIY & MAINTENANCE DAVIES OF WESTBURY (Westbury) If you want to get cracking on a DIY project head to Davies of Westbury; a family run business, they have over 30 years experience selling everything for the home – inside and out. They have everything you need for decorating, including both wellknown brands such as Stanley, Harris and Dulux and budget decorating supplies as well as wood treatments.

They also carry plumbing supplies and a large selection of tools for both the keen DIYer and the professional trade. As well as interiors, Davies of Westbury can also help with all your garden projects too. The difference between a family run business and

| house & home the huge superstores is that they can offer you more choice and a much more personal service – as well as free delivery in and around Westbury.

01373 822431 | www.daviesofwestbury.co.uk

HOMEFIX 365 (Wiltshire & Somerset) If you have some jobs around the home that need doing but you don’t have the confidence or expertise to do them yourself, call Homefix 365.

They can help with all types of work, including handyman services, carpentry, electrics, plumbing, painting and decorating, roofing, cleaning, landscaping and so many more. Whatever the size of the job, give them a call.

07538 206917 | homefix365.co.uk

says James “We like to keep things simple and we try to offer customers a pleasant shopping experience. I think people are looking to return to the high street to do their shopping: if you've been to one warehouse store you've been to them all, and they're not selling you an experience, it's more of an ordeal."

The front of the shop enjoys a seasonally changing display of plants - expertly grown at their other local business Avonfield Garden Centre - whilst inside you’ll find ironmongery, household goods, DIY, electrical, plumbing, garden equipment and tools. Above all, you will find helpful, knowledgeable staff, what more could you wish for!

01225 862236

SOVEREIGN DAMP PROOFING (Corsham) Sovereign Damp Proofing and Construction Ltd is based in Corsham and has been providing services throughout the South West since 1981. Established for 35 years, they are renowned for their high quality of workmanship and reliability.

J Alex Brown is a traditional harware store

J ALEX BROWN

Sovereign offer injected damp proof courses, timber treatments including beetle infestation, wet rot and dry rot treatments, basement waterproofing (including Delta membrane systems) and general maintenance.

(Bradford on Avon) Bradford on Avon’s traditional hardware store (on Silver Street) is owned and run

by James Vincent and business partner Matthew Webb. James is the fifth generation of his family to run a store in Bradford on Avon and it’s his roots to the town, as well as his passion for traditional shopkeeping (even down to the traditional brown shop coat!) that keep customers coming back.

"We have no gimmicks, no loyalty schemes, no buy-one-get-one-free deals,”

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Allsop’s offers beautiful flooring and a first class fitting service

They also offer re-plastering services - including lime based plastering - which is approved by Listed Buildings and English Heritage, which makes it perfect for use on the beautiful old properties you find in the local area. It comes as no surprise that both the National Trust and Crown Estates feature on their list of regular clients, as well as local authorities, estate and lettings agents, housing associations and architects as well as the general public.

01249 716161 | sovereigndpc.co.uk

CARPETS & FLOORING ALLSOP CARPETS (Frome) During the last 25 years, Allsop Carpets & Flooring have strived to deliver the highest quality and service as well as first class fitting with their own team of polite and friendly fitters.

Through the years their commitment to their clients has led to a loyal customer base branching throughout the South West area. Pop into their showroom and see an extensive range of flooring including wood, laminate, sisal, coir, wool and synthetic carpets as well as rugs and remnants. You will find them at Corner Garage, Christchurch Street West (within Tonemar Express Beds).

01373 463866 | allsopcarpets.co.uk

Allsop Carpets & Flooring • Carpets • Vinyl • Naturals • Wood Flooring

www.allsopcarpets.co.uk | 01373 463866 or 07887 953014 Corner Garage, Christchurch St West, Frome BA11 1EB

Using British Manufacturers & Suppliers

We have been trading in Wiltshire for 20 years, and are specialists in writing Wills, advising on Trusts and helping with Probate.

Lasting Power of Attorney

SPRING PROMOTION

£75

OFFER 25% PRICE (Normally £100+VAT) SAVE

+VAT

WILL PRICES: £75+VAT SINGLE, £100+VAT JOINT If you have money or property and become unable to deal with your affairs because of an accident or illness your assets may be frozen. If you have a stroke, or develop Alzheimer’s, your family may have to apply to the courts to deal with your affairs. This can be expensive, may take a year or more to complete and a large sum of money may have to be deposited with the courts!

A Lasting Power of Attorney is a legal document that gives somebody of your choice the power to deal with your financial affairs if for any physical or mental reason you were unable to. It is the only document which gives this power but you can only complete one while in good health, so you need to act as soon as possible.

To make an appointment for a home visit please telephone:

01225 400060

Head Office: Redbridge House, Lower Bristol Road, Bath BA2 3EW www.wtponline.co.uk | david@wtponline.co.uk | 01225 400060

2 for1

BRING A FRIEND FREE WITH THIS VOUCHER! Valid for the course or range until 31/08/16

GET INTO GOLF

THIS SPRING & ENJOY // 9 hole golf course // Driving range & Pro // Clubs & trolleys for hire // Pay & Play // Affordable prices // Relaxed dress code // Membership benefits

t: 01225 790099 e: info@whitleygolfclub.com

www.whitleygolfclub.com Corsham Rd, Whitley, Melksham, Wiltshire SN12 8EQ

T

golf |

Time to

Tee Off

Offering exercise, fresh air and a great social life, golf is an ideal game to get into whatever your age or fitness levels. From courses to clubs and accessories, here are some ideal places to get started‌ THEWESTWILTSMAGAZINE

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| golf

TONY VALENTINE GOLF CENTRES

Bowood Hotel Spa & Golf Resort

BOWOOD HOTEL SPA & GOLF RESORT

Their golf course is perfect for improving your short game, with the distances ranging from 55 Derry Hill, Calne SN11 9PQ to 102 yards. Each hole has been Enjoy a round of golf on Bowood’s carefully designed to test players championship golf course, voted of all abilities. All the holes are par one of the UK’s Top 50 Stay and Play 3, and the course should take less resorts by Golf Monthly. Designed than an hour to play. As such, it’s by renowned architect Dave a great introduction to the sport Thomas, the course is an exciting for youngsters and novices. Those prospect for all levels of golfer. looking to learn the game might Winding through the Estate, the well also be interested to know beautifully manicured course blends that the centre offers beginner gives a genuine feeling of getting group lessons – you can currently away from it all, with extraordinary book four one hour lessons for just views towards the Wiltshire downs. £39.99!

Book a corporate golf day this 01249 783121 | chippenhamgolfcentre.co.uk summer and enjoy 18 holes of golf, coffee and bacon roll and a one course meal from only £55 per person.

01249 822228 | bowood.org

CHIPPENHAM GOLF CENTRE Tiddleywink, Yatton Keynell, Chippenham SN14 7BY Chippenham Golf Centre is a driving range, golf shop and also a par 3 short golf course. Set in the heart of the rural Wiltshire the centre prides itself on offering smart and modern facilities to learn and practice golf, with welcoming and professional staff on hand to help and advise.

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Bradford Road, Corsham SN13 0RB Unit 5, Barnfield Road, Great Western Way, Swindon SN2 2DJ After 20 years of trading the philosophy at Tony Valentine’s is to make every golfer play to their full potential by making sure their equipment is a perfect match to their individual technique and ability. They do this by using the latest custom fit equipment as used by leading golf manufactures and even Sky Sports.

Ladies and left handed golfers are also not forgotten; there is as much choice for ladies and left handers as there is for right handed men, which makes a refreshing change!

Another service on offer is gapping, which helps you find out exactly how far you hit each club, which in turn will identify any weaknesses in your set.

The stores carry interchangeable heads and shafts from all the leading manufacturers, and it can all be seen on their ever-expanding website.

On the website you will find all new current line clubs, along with ex demo and second hand items too. Not only do they have an extensive selection of clubs, but also equipment such as bags, the latest golf balls, clothing, shoes and golf trolleys - both electric and pull. They don’t only sell electric trolleys, they are also an authorised service centre so they can take care of repairs and servicing too. They are also on Facebook and Twitter! Follow them and you will be kept up to date with new products, events and special offers as well as having a bit of fun in the process!

01249 714466 | www.tonyvalentine.com

WESTBURY GOLF CLUB Chippenham Golf Centre

Coach Road, Westbury BA13 4LX Established in 1973, Westbury Golf Club is an attractive 9-hole course set in beautiful, mature Wiltshire

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• League & friendly matches for gents & ladies • Full membership available – No joining fee • FREE reciprocal arrangement with 10 golf clubs • Subscriptions payable monthly • FREE County Card • Full programme of Club Competitions • Clean shoes all year round

OPEN COMPETITIONS For entry forms visit westwiltsgolfclub.co.uk or email sec@westwiltsgolfclub.co.uk LADIES OPEN – Tuesday 28 June Bowmaker in teams of 3 (best 2 net scores count) - £36 per team

PRO AM – Friday 16 September SENIORS OPEN – Thursday 14 July Individual Stableford - £21 per person (incl food) Bowmaker in teams of 4 (best 2 net scores count) - £195 per team (incl food) JUNIOR OPEN – Monday 25 July GENTS OPEN – Sunday 10 July MIXED OPEN – Sunday 18 September Daily Telegraph Qualifier Medal (0 – 28/36); 36 holes: Better Ball; Medal (am), Stableford (pm) Stableford (29/37 – 54) - £15 per person Texas Scramble in teams of 4 - £20 per person (incl food) (incl. food) Max handicap 24 - £48 per pair (incl food)

01985 213133 | sec@westwiltsgolfclub.co.uk | www.westwiltsgolfclub.co.uk

| golf parkland at the foot of the famous Westbury White Horse. With gently undulating fairways, the course suits players of all ages, whilst providing a good test of golf for players of all abilities. The course also has the added bonus of its own fantastic 300 yard 12-bay floodlit driving range, which is open to all.

A warm and genuine welcome awaits members and visitors alike, who can also enjoy the superb facilities of the clubhouse. Whether you are a potential member, casual paying visitor or looking for a society or corporate day, the team looks forward to welcoming you.

Pay and play from £13 per adult per day and £7 for juniors - no booking required. For adults, full memberships cost £325 per annum from 1 April 2016 - 31 March 2017; and new memberships are being accepted now.

01373 822323 | westburygolfclub.co.uk

WEST WILTS GOLF CLUB Elm Hill, Warminster BA12 0AU West Wilts is an extremely friendly traditional member’s golf club situated on the edge of Warminster and the Salisbury Plain. The Club was established in 1891, and so is celebrating its 125th anniversary in 2016. The course, designed by J H Taylor, has excellent fairways and greens on chalk downland with superb views over 3 counties. Very good playing conditions are enjoyed all year round. The course has characteristics of an inland “links” and being 5754 yards long (Par 70, SSS 68) with 50 bunkers and relatively small greens it provides players of all standards with a fair test of golf.

A good short game is essential to score well.

All sections of the Club are very active with matches, competitions,

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Westbury Golf Club

weekly roll-ups, away trips all organized by the men, ladies, mixed groups, seniors and juniors. Indoor and outdoor practice facilities are available including a state of the art GC2 golf course simulator and a fully qualified PGA professional (Lawrence Wilkin) for all coaching and equipment needs. Visitors and societies are very welcome.

01985 213133 | westwiltsgolfclub.co.uk

WHITLEY GOLF CLUB

Corsham Rd, Whitley, Melksham SN12 8EQ Whitley is famed for its friendly atmosphere, where everyone is welcome to enjoy the golf course, driving range and clubhouse bar facilities. With a relaxed approach, it’s

the ideal place to learn and practice.

While considered an easy course to walk, the 9 hole layout still provides a test that challenges all levels of golfer, with significant course management need to plot your way around the fairways and greens. If you don’t have them, they have the option to hire clubs and trolleys, and their dress code is casual too. You don’t even have to be a member, you can just pay and play if you prefer!

Social golf is at the heart of Whitley, and what better way to get exercise and spend time with friends than strolling around their parkland course.

01225 790099 | whitleygolfclub.com

West Wilts Golf Club

ABD CARE FP_A5 Dummy Gridmaster 27/05/2015 09:58 Page 1

| health & wellbeing

Providing Live-In Care

The specialists at ANN MASON CARE can help older people to live happier, more independent lives in their own homes.

One to one care in the comfort of your own home can work out cheaper than many residential homes

surrounded by the neighbours, garden, pets, furniture and shops that we have always known. We don’t want to be committed to institutional life.

MAINTAIN YOUR INDEPENDENCE Live-in care lets you lead the life you want to lead. You do what you want, when you want. For someone who needs care, moving to a place that is unfamiliar and strange, can cause significant trauma. By choosing home care, people who need care can: • Stay more in control for longer • Benefit from having their routines, privacy and preferences respected and listened to • Maintain relationships and family life - seeing friends and family in a relaxed, familiar environment • Keep up with hobbies, interests and clubs in your local community

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ive-in home care provides you with an alternative to a residential or nursing home.

Your carer lives with you, in your home, providing round-the-clock support. This means you can stay in your own home, follow your own routines, keep your garden and pets, keep up with your friends and neighbours and live your life just as you want – for a cost equivalent to, or lower than, many residential homes.

ONE-TO-ONE HELP Many care homes work on a ratio of up to four clients to one carer,

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so cannot give you a dedicated service. Live-in home care can work out cheaper than most good care homes. Consider the service you get at home with a live-in home carer.

How much would you pay to get the same service in a care home? The weekly cost of live-in care is in the region of £850 to £1,050. The savings are greatly increased when a couple both need care. They can share one live-in carer, rather than paying two care home fees.

STAY IN YOUR OWN HOME We all want to be in our own homes,

FAMILIAR, SAFE SURROUNDINGS Ann Mason Care understand that most people want to stay in their homes for as long as possible. Home is where your memories, belongings, treasured things, garden and pets are. Home is where the family is used to coming to visit you and where your community can support you. And especially for people with dementia, this familiarity is hugely important to overall health and well-being.

To find out more about the range of care services offered by Ann Mason Care call 01225 632223 or visit the website.

• annmasoncare.co.uk

| health & wellbeing

Ready Steady Cook!

In 2016 Wiltshire Farm Foods is celebrating its 25th Anniversary as the UK’s leading provider of home-delivered frozen ready meals. for our business, and is genuinely interested in the meals themselves, and the outstanding service we provide. She has a busy lifestyle, and I was interested to hear she has placed an order for herself and tried a number of meals from the range.”

Fern with chefs Phil Rimmer and Liam Newble

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his year saw the launch of a new national advertising campaign starring TV personality Fern Britton, once host of popular daytime cooking show ‘Ready Steady Cook’. The campaign comprises of four new television commercials and a range of press advertising showcasing the company’s various ranges, including the ‘Nutritious and Delicious’ meals that are less than 400 calories and low in salt and saturated fat. One of the ads features Fern alongside Wiltshire Farm Foods chefs Phil Rimmer and Liam Newble.

In January, Fern visited Wiltshire Farm Foods in Trowbridge, which was a fantastic experience for everyone. Fern answered some calls and took orders over the telephone, then went out with one of our drivers and met some customers in their homes. Aaron Oakley runs the Trowbridge Office of Wiltshire Farm Foods. He said, “It’s fantastic to have Fern Britton starring in our advertising and I was delighted to meet her. She has a real passion

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As Fern herself says, “Wiltshire Farm Foods provides an outstanding service that means everyone can enjoy the convenience of a tasty meal every day.”

The new ‘Free From’ range serves up a wide range of allergen free

options. So you can enjoy choice and flavour with peace of mind.

There are also over 150 gluten-free meals to choose from - look out for the GF symbol in the brochure.

In total there are now more than 300 delicious meals available, all cooked fresh then quick frozen to lock the goodness in. What’s more, delivery from their friendly local drivers is free, and they visit each postcode at least twice each week.

For information call 01225 776793 or visit the website.

• wiltshirefarmfoods.com

“Wiltshire Farm Foods provides an outstanding service that means everyone can enjoy the convenience of a tasty meal every day.”

Fern Britton

Try the delicious Roast Beef and Yorkshire pudding

| health & wellbeing

Meet the Manager KEN BISHOP is the new manager of Brunel House Care Home in Box. He arrives having served in the Royal Navy and as a nurse in the NHS before specialising in elderly care. We caught up with him to find out more about the home.

With so much negative press about care homes around, it can be difficult for good homes to shine. What sets you apart?

When you step inside our home, you will leave the typical view of care homes behind. Our aim is to provide quality care to all our residents. We have an amazing team who are passionate about what they do and how they support our residents.

Assistance is given to each individual in order for them to lead a fulfilling and meaningful life whilst providing encouragement to maintain strong links with family, friends and the local community. Our residents are at the centre of what we do, ensuring individual choice and wellbeing – delivered with warmth and compassion - is paramount.

We always ask ourselves “if this was our parent or relative, is this how we would want them to be cared for?”

Can you tell us about your facilities?

We have several unique facilities, including a cinema, an activity Care home manager Ken Bishop

room where residents can enjoy their hobbies and interests, a café, a beauty spa, music room, library and dining rooms.

What care categories do you cover?

We cover everything from residential care - a good option for those who’d benefit from added support with everyday tasks – through to nursing care for residents who require specific care from a registered nurse.

We also offer palliative care, which we undertake compassionately to ensure residents are pain free as they live out their lives with dignity and respect. We also offer short term care – a good option when someone needs to recuperate before returning home, and even day care, available for people to come and enjoy a meal and participate in social events.

How do you help new residents settle in?

We understand moving into a care home can be a time of significant change and a feeling of loss for our

Brunel House

residents until they settle in. We appreciate that no two residents are the same, so our compassionate and experienced nurses and carers ensure that each person receives care that’s tailored to their unique needs, personality and wishes.

How would you sum up the ethos and atmosphere at Brunel House?

Our five star services offer residents the highest quality care. Call in and meet the team, we are passionate about care and passionate about people too.

Have you got any exciting plans or events coming up for 2016?

We have an extensive events planner and try to offer as much as possible, not only for residents but also for their family and friends.

We are involved with Dementia UK’s ‘Time for a Cuppa’ week and supporting these organisations is very important to us.

To find out more about Brunel House call 01225 561000, or pop along to their Information Day at Kingsdown Golf Club on Thursday 7 April.

• mmcgcarehomes.co.uk

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| bath rugby

grand slam heroes Bath Rugby’s England contingent have enjoyed a wonderful Six Nations after the disappointment of the RWC, and now rejoin their club hoping to secure Champions Cup rugby for next season

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hilst Bath Rugby may have struggled this season, their English players have been flourishing in this year’s RBS Six Nations Championship.

Not only did England win, but on Saturday 19 March they went to Paris and defeated France 31-21 to claim their first Grand Slam since 2003.

Watson is the leading try scorer in world rugby this year

In all, six Bath players were involved in England’s campaign, with regular

Watson has now scored 11 tries in 20 international appearances and continues to lead the try-scoring charts in world rugby this year.

Watson has now scored 11 tries in 20 international appearances (he has now touched down in three starters George Ford, Anthony Watson successive matches) and continues and Jonathan Joseph being joined in to lead the try-scoring charts in world the squad by Ollie Devoto, who made rugby this year. the matchday squad but who awaits Elsewhere in the Six Nations, David Joseph scored an impressive Denton made two appearances hat-trick against Italy in Rome for Scotland before succumbing to an injury that ruled him out of the rest of the tournament, whilst Rhys Priestland did well with limited game time as back up to Wales’ first choice ten, Dan Biggar.

All these players now return to Bath for the rest of the season. After a his first cap, Semesa Rokoduguni and Henry Thomas. This left Bath a little short in the backs to say the least, but the efforts of Bath’s contingent in the Championship has been outstanding.

Joseph, Ford and Watson not only started every match but between them they scored 37 points: Joseph - three tries; Watson - three tries; Ford one try, one conversion.

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forgettable campaign, Bath are still within touching distance of European Champions Cup qualification, but will need their returning internationals to help the team kick on as they look towards their final fixtures. As well as facing Saracens at home on Friday 1 April, their run-in includes two matches against Sale, a visit to Franklin’s Gardens to face Northampton and a home tie against Leicester Tigers on Saturday 7 May to finish the regular season. Bath will hope that they still have something to play for by the time the Tigers come to town.

• bathrugby.com

UPCOMING FIXTURES

To buy tickets call the Ticket Office on 0844 448 1865 or go to the website.

1 April

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Saracens

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13 April

19:45

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Sale Sharks

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17 April

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7 May

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| puzzles

Tea Break Teasers APRIL SHOWERS WORDSEARCH

What/who is missing from the grid?

RAIN SHOWER DRIZZLE SQUALL STORM

SUDOKU

EASY

DELUGE FLOOD MIST PRECIPITATION CLOUDBURST

FLURRY MONSOON SPATE TORRENT SPITTING

WIN A £10 NEXT VOUCHER! Email your answers to these trivia questions to comp@wired-publishing.co.uk by 23.04.16 to be in with a chance of winning a £10 Next Voucher.

Good luck!

Q1: Which is the oldest city in the continental Unites States, settled by the Spanish on 2 April 1513?

LAST MONTH’S SOLUTIONS Wordsearch missing word: LADISLAW Quiz answers: 1: George Eliot 2: The Joe Loss Orchestra 3: Marzipan 4: 10 – 27 March 5: President Franklin D. Roosevelt

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Q2: In which poem did T.S.Eliot write the line “April is the cruellest month”?

Q3: Who is sponsoring the Grand National in 2016?

Q4: On what date in 1945 did British troops liberate Bergen-Belsen concentration camp?

Q5: Which famous road running race takes place on 24 April 2016?

Be sure to include your contact details so we can get in touch with you if you are our winner!

Trowbridge Chiropodist Peter Wilkinson M.Inst.Ch.P

IMPROVING YOUR FOOT HEALTH

We can help with... • corns • calluses • hard skin • ingrown toenails • fungal nail infections • footcare for the elderly, diabetics & those with poor circulation • advice & support Member of the Institute of Chiropodist and Podiatrists

Call today to make an appointment

Tel: 01225 571030

www.trowbridgechiropodist.co.uk Find us at: 13 St Georges Works, Silver St, Trowbridge, Wiltshire BA14 8AA

Find us on Facebook: Trowbridge - Chiropodist Follow us on Twitter: @TrowChiropodist

| last word

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Horsey Horsey

s I write it is the week of the Cheltenham Festival. Now I am not normally a betting man although I will have a flutter on Cheltenham, all of the golf majors, the Rugby World Cup of course, the European and World Cups of football and various other sporting occasions through the year.

Hmmm, maybe I am a betting man after all, thinking about it. I never put much on it though, usually a couple of quid, maybe as much as a fiver sometimes…..steady on Mrs….yes I know big money.

Anyway, this year I decided to open an online account with one of the major high street betting firms. The first opportunity I would have to place a bet would be Cheltenham so on the Monday morning I was very

the odd bet but I go on the horse’s name, or in golf whether the player seems like a nice chap in interviews.

Winning bets is not something I do on any kind of a regular basis you understand but I had a great feeling about the week ahead. Some of the horses I had picked not only had relevant names/colours/birthdays but were actually in with a chance of winning.

As this was the first time I had used my new account I was particularly careful about which horses I had chosen, and how much money I had put on. I then pressed the place bet button….and nothing happened.

I thought there would at least be a little twirly thing that comes up to tell you the computer is having a bit of a think about it but nothing. Anyway I pressed it again and then things

As this was the first time I had used my new account I was particularly careful about which horses I had chosen, and how much money I had put on. I then pressed the place bet button….and nothing happened. excited. I got up a little early and logged in to my new account to look at horses to get some information on which ones were going to win my fortune……long story short, it starts on the Tuesday. So…Tuesday morning….got up a little bit early and logged in to my new account to look at horses to get some information on which ones were going to win my fortune. As you may or may not have worked out I don’t really have much of a clue about any of this. I do place

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flashed at me and a notice came up saying the money was on. “Brilliant”, I thought, “Now all I have to do is sit back and watch the money roll in.” I think by now you may have realised I put my bets on twice….I however did not.

Suitably indebted, I clocked off early and took charge of the remote control so I could watched the coverage. As each race got underway I got very excited whenever one

of my horses even got a mention.

A bit of leaping up and down and shouting at the TV and it was all over. In the lead up to this I may have given you the impression that I’m a bit poor at betting and to be fair usually I am but guess what, out of the seven races I had three first places, three second places and one third. I couldn’t believe it! I ran upstairs to my computer and logged on to my account…..it said I had £386.48 in there!!! It turns out that I had placed an each way Super Heinz (please don’t ask!!!) bet and as we now know I had placed it twice. I am a winner! Unfortunately I was not quite so fortunate the next day…..or the next…..or the next. My career as a high rolling gambler was over, at least until the next time… I did still end up £350 up for the week though so that’s not too bad. I think I may stick to just placing the one bet at a time from now on though!

Phil Rockliffe